For Parents

Introduction and Goals

 

We are The Identity Tree. We have chosen this name to emphasize that like a tree, gender, sexuality, and identity have many branches. But even so, we are all part of one tree, connected in a way. Even with our differences, we should all be able to safely explore our identities and be represented in the world we live in. Our goal is to be a resource for kids, teens, and adults dealing with identity, whether in themselves or another, which can be confusing and conflicting.

 

In the majority of public school systems, kids and teens are not able to safely explore or understand their identity. Instead of being encouraged and supplied with sources that deal with a range of genders and sexualities, schools teach kids that the only genders are boy and girl and the only correct sexuality is straight. This teaching leaves many kids feeling stranded, lost, and confused especially if they are LGBTQ.

 

With The Identity Tree, we hope to be able to help kids close the gap of confusion and provide a base for safely understanding and discovering their own identity.

 

The two main pages of our website are titled Gender and Sexuality. On these pages we have definitions, images, and stories on and about a range of different genders and sexualities. All of our information is kid friendly and in the simplest terms so that it can be understood by kids and clear to teens and adults. On our resources pages, we have links for further readings on most of the information on our website so that teens and adults looking for more in-depth definitions and readings can have the ability to do so. With our teen resource page, the focus is mainly on sex ed resources. We at Identity Tree know it can be confusing for LGBTQ teens as well as teens exploring their identity to find sex ed information outside of the heterosexual school learning. Our teen resource page provides a way for teens to be able to safely explore an inclusive sex ed while still being separate from the kid friendly main pages. Our resource page for adults/parents/teachers provides links that allow them to learn, understand and introduce themselves to the spectrum that is gender and sexuality which they may not have known about. Teens can feel resigned to talk about their developing identity to their parents and teachers especially LGBTQ teens out of fear of being not understood. With this page however parents and teachers can start to provide support to teens and kids dealing with identity and start change within the school system to being more inclusive by understanding.

 

We want the outcome of Identity Tree to be a base to start understanding of identity to the point where more open spaces, conversations, and classes are created to be more inclusive of all genders and sexualities. We want more teens and kids to feel safe and more certain of their identity and ability to explore their identity. We want more teachers, parents, and adults being more understanding of teens and kids and more immersed in making sure these kids have access to safe inclusive learning. We want the different branches of identity to be seen while still having a focus we are all connected even in being different.

 

Syllabus/Outline of Course Material

 

So that you can know exactly what your child is learning, we have outlined what is covered in The Identity Tree. This syllabus is essentially a roadmap that lays out how we recommend that you progress through the material with your child.

 

1. TOPIC ONE: Gender

   1. We begin with a discussion of gender. This is largely terminology and simple, factual definitions to put different aspects of gender and gender identity into perspective. These definitions and terminology are then enhanced by interactive links and stories that translate words into reality. These stories are guaranteed safe for your child to read or have read to them, and generally help create a better picture of how people of these gender identities present themselves and how they orient with the world.

      1. Overview & Definition of Gender

      2. Definitions of Various Gender Identities

         1. Cisgender

         2. Transgender

         3. AFAB/AMAB

         4. Gender Expression & Orientation

         5. Genderqueer

      3. Gender Storybooks

         1. Cisgender

         2. Transgender

         3. Agender

         4. Androgyne

         5. Bigender

         6. Demiboy & Demigirl

         7. Genderfluid

         8. Gender nonconforming

         9. Gender questioning

         10. Genderqueer

         11. Nonbinary

         12. Other

         13. Pangender

         14. Two-Spirit

2. TOPIC TWO: Sexuality

   1. The narrative of sexuality is discussed in its primary definition, romantic attraction; this can be explained to a child as who someone loves, wants to marry, or pursue relationships with. The definitions of the most prominent facets of sexual orientation are presented with storybooks to accompany them just as was done with gender.

      1. Definition of Sexuality (Romantic Attraction)

      2. Definition of Various Sexual Orientations

         1. Heterosexual

         2. Gay

         3. Lesbian

         4. Bisexual

         5. Pansexual

      3. Sexuality Storybooks

         1. Explained in terms of various real life people discussing people they love or have crushes on casually and simplistically.

            1. Same sexualities as mentioned above.

3. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

   1. Sex Ed Resources for LGBT Teens

      1. The lack of sexual education for LGBT teens in the American school system often leaves LGBT teens not only confused about what occurs in their relationships, but more susceptible to STDs and sexual health issues. We have provided a list of credible links in order to better educate LGBT kids about these topics safely.

   2. Resources for Parents/Teachers/Adults

      1. Websites, articles, and statistics about a variety of subjects relevant to this curriculum, including LGBT sex ed, bullying statistics, and more. This is helpful if you would like to find out more about how you can help or if you are still wary of using this curriculum.