A PAREN T RE SPO NDS
Continued from page 29
(www.genderspectrum.org) for book titles to
read and discuss with the cisgender or gen-
der-nonconforming children.
• Ensure your school, children’s classrooms,
and local libraries have great gender-inclu-
sive books.
• In restaurants, swimming pools, schools,
etc., request that managers provide gender-
free restrooms/changing spaces for families
and others that need privacy.
• Support local queer-serving youth organi-
zations—many queer youth also face family
rejection.
• Invite kids on the margins in and consider
blurring the gender lines at social activities—
does the party HAVE to be called a PRINCESS
party? Can the name be open such that it can
include nonbinary/trans/gender non-con-
forming kids?
• Imagine that some families going through
transition will feel isolated, in #NoMansLand,
even if others haven’t done anything to tar-
get us; we need allies to affirm, embrace, wel-
come, invite us so we feel something other
than mild tolerance. I imagine some adults
fear they may ‘mess up,’ but just saying ‘I’m
here... let’s connect... how can I be helpful?’ is
a good start. l
This author has asked to remain anonymous. CSEE is grateful for their contribution.
Institute on Teaching World Religions
June 24-27, 2019 • New York, NY
www.csee.org/event/WR19
CSEE’s residential institute brings together university scholars and independent school
teachers for four days of in-depth study, discussion, resource sharing, and camaraderie.
Join us this year at The Choir School, just steps from Central Park! Presentations include
Religious Literacy and Cultural Studies: Educating for Democratic Citizenship; Religion, Sci-
ence, & Technology: Practical Education for Civic Engagement; Ritual in Islamic Law and
Practice: A Historical Overview, and more!
Please check our website for information on featured speakers,
csee.org/event/WR19
Page 30 Summer 2019
CSEE Connections