STANDARD COMPETENICES

 

 1. Examine the binary gender system and how it affects our perceptions of gender.

 2. Apply appropriate vocabulary in regards to sex, gender, gender diversity, and transgender people.

 3. Discuss the history of the transgender movement and identify current political and legal issues for transgender people.

 4. Identify and examine the contributions of various transgender and transsexual people throughout history and today.

 5. Examine the legal, medical, and social issues impacting the transgender population.

 6. Differentiate the legal, medical, and social issues involved in social and medical transition.

 7. Synthesize various cultural impacts on gender identity and expression using case studies.

 8. Demonstrate an understanding of alliances with and advocacy for transgender and transsexual populations.

 

 

 TOPICAL OUTLINE

 

 

 I. Power of words and visibility

      a. Effects of certain terms

              i. History of the rhetoric surrounding transgenderism

             ii. Definition and application of the all-inclusive term “trans*”

      b. Origin and evolution of terms

      c. Outcomes of being visible/out

 II. Trans* history

      a. Ancient times and Middle Ages

      b. Modern

 III. Legal issues

      a. Laws that support the transgender community

      b. Laws that discriminate or create barriers for transgender people

      c. Current evolutions of laws and policies

 IV. Medical issues

      a. Transitioning (social and medical)

      b. Hormone therapies

      c. Continuing care and related issues

 V. Social/Culture issues

      a. Beliefs about gender fluidity in American culture

      b. Global views of transgenderism

      c. Cultural messages’ effect on perception

 VI. Trans* youth

      a. Issues in the lives of transgender children

      b. Transgender teen issues

      c. Benefits and consequences to transitioning in school

 VII. Sexuality and the transgender person

      a. Stereotypes and their effect on sexuality

      b. Experience of having a transpartner

      c. Ideals of beauty/attractiveness

 VIII. Spirituality

      a. Obstacles and benefits of various religions for transpeople

              i. Benefits for the transgender community as a whole

             ii. Aspects of religion that can be harmful to individuals and community

            iii. Negotiating the culture of religion when support is selective

      b. Effects of religion on transgender people and those who are gender fluid

 IX. Aging

      a. Differences in the aging experience for the transgender person

      b. Physical changes with age

      c. Specific medical concerns

 X. Living outside the gender binary

      a. Understanding gender fluidity

      b. Issues faced by individuals who do not identify as transgender or cisgender

      c. Examining the male/female false dichotomy

 XI. Advocacy

      a. Skills of advocacy

      b. Organizations that effectively support the transgender community

      c. Micro and macro aspects of advocacy