Schools in Transition: Girls, Gender, and Identity

• In Event: Our Bodies, Ourselves: Queerness, Gender Identity, and Performance

Abstract

In a time of divisionary and discordant politics, it is essential to educate young citizens to engage in civics education. This autoethnographic study seeks to promote equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals. Over the course of three years, we worked with 150 grade 5 and 6 students to build awareness of LGBTQ issues in the classroom, school, and community. We studied and analyzed our own experiences within a socio-political framework. In particular, we asked: How do societal gender expectations impact the everyday lives of girls and women? How can students affect change through political expression and social critique? In what ways can students influence key stakeholders and organizations in their community?

Authors

• Radhika K Raj, The Bishop Strachan School

• Rachel Polly Hughes, The Bishop Strachan School

• Rebecca Hughes, University of Toronto