Creating Gender Inclusive Schools

This short film introduces an initiative to educate staff, students, and families about gender in order to create a safer school environment for all. Following the journey of Peralta Elementary School in Oakland, CA, viewers hear snippets from a parent information night, teacher training, and classroom activities as well as interviews with individuals. The tenor of the conversations is positive. While some adults struggle with reframing their understanding of gender, the children respond with enthusiasm and openness. Witnessing model lessons across grade levels is helpful, from kindergarten (where a teacher asks, "Are there girl and boy colors, or are colors just colors?") all the way up to fifth grade (where students engage with concepts such as biological sex and gender identity and expression). The emphasis throughout is on freeing all children from burdensome and limiting societal constraints and preventing bullying based on fear of those who are different. The film does an excellent job of demonstrating how teachers can thoughtfully introduce children to complex subjects in age-appropriate ways. Spanish subtitles are available, and the website for the film has a comprehensive free guide (though available only in English) with additional resources, case studies, handouts, and activities.