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Original poster

School not using "girl" and "boy"

157 replies

Personwithrage · 10/11/2021 08:42

My year 7 DC had a session on puberty in RHSE yesterday. As part of this they labelled diagrams of "people with penises" and "people with vaginas" so as to "not make transgender people uncomfortable" as someone could be "born a boy but believe their personality makes them a girl".

I am so so cross.

I don't have a gender identity, absolutely and wholeheartedly reject regressive stereotypes and have brought DC up to challenge them and to believe they can do and be whoever they want to be. I have also always talked about biological reality and believe that whatever you do, say, wear or think you are still a boy or girl as defined by your biology.

Am I over reacting? Is it unreasonable and excluding to expect puberty lessons to refer to male and female, boy and girl? Is it not ok for my child to refer to themselves in terms they're comfortable with? Are there really lots of 11 year olds with gender dysphoria and a sense of gender identity such that this rings true?

OP posts:
oldwomanwhoruns · 10/11/2021 09:05

Cross post with Clymene. But her post was much more comprehensive Smile

oldwomanwhoruns · 10/11/2021 09:03

Gvmt guidance does NOT support teaching about gender identities.

Read the fact sheet on Safe Schools Alliance , it contains the gvmt guidance. It says do not reinforce harmful stereotypes, for instance by suggesting that children might be a different gender based on....

Clymene · 10/11/2021 09:01

@Personwithrage

I've had a look through and am going to use the letter about general RHSE teaching but I saw the gov guidance does suggest teaching about gender identity so am not sure if that's what they're following. Is there any school of thought about whether it's ok to refer to children as trans at 11? I completely accept that many young people know they are not heterosexual from a relatively young age and discussions should not be heteronormative for that reason, but are we really saying the same thing re trans identities?
This is the DfE guidance. “We are aware that topics involving gender and biological sex can be complex and sensitive matters to navigate. You should not reinforce harmful stereotypes, for instance by suggesting that children might be a different gender based on their personality and interests or the clothes they prefer to wear. Resources used in teaching about this topic must always be age-appropriate and evidence based. Materials which suggest that non-conformity to gender stereotypes should be seen as synonymous with having a different gender identity should not be used and you should not work with external agencies or organisations that produce such material."

safeschoolsallianceuk.net/schools-resources-and-policies/

Original poster
Personwithrage · 10/11/2021 08:57

The more I think about this....

Why does it make people MORE comfortable to talk about people with regards to their genitals? Why is it MORE ok for 11 year olds to say "as a person with a vagina" than "as a girl"

Quite frankly it doesn't make me feel more comfortable

OP posts:
Original poster
Personwithrage · 10/11/2021 08:51

I've had a look through and am going to use the letter about general RHSE teaching but I saw the gov guidance does suggest teaching about gender identity so am not sure if that's what they're following. Is there any school of thought about whether it's ok to refer to children as trans at 11? I completely accept that many young people know they are not heterosexual from a relatively young age and discussions should not be heteronormative for that reason, but are we really saying the same thing re trans identities?

OP posts:
oldwomanwhoruns · 10/11/2021 08:51

They are NOT allowed to teach the 'born in the wrong body' narrative.
Complain. Go see the head. Ask to see ALL PSE teaching materials. Get other parents on board.
Yes Safe Schools Alliance.
This cr*p is so dangerous.

supercritter · 10/11/2021 08:45

See safe schools alliance for info