Lesson 2: Sex, Gender, Rank and Power

Lesson Objectives

At the end of this lesson you should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the key terms and definitions
• Demonstrate understanding of the Gender Unicorn
• Demonstrate understanding of rank, privilege and intersectionalities

Introduction

The terms sex, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity can be blurred or mixed together for some of us. Also, our specific individual experiences around these terms can go toward determining our status and rank in our societies and also set us up in different relationships to power. To create inclusive school environments and support transgender and gender non-conforming children we need to be aware of what these terms mean. Especially we need to examine our own meaning making around these terms and be conscious about what messages we send out into the class room and into the school.