About this course: This course offers an intimate, story-based introduction to the experiences of six transgender children and their families. Through illustrated stories and short teaching videos, learners will gain a better understanding of gender identity and the gender spectrum. Stanford physicians, K-12 educators, and transgender faculty members offer practical tips for parents, teachers, healthcare providers and anyone who wants to help create a more gender-expansive environment - one in which all people can live authentically. As a global community of unique individuals, we can begin to build a world that is ready to nurture and love each and every child. Due to the sensitive nature of the story-based course content, we have chosen not to offer course certificates for this course. Simply put, we feel that the thoughts, ideas and sentiments of these remarkable children and their families... are priceless. We are confident that, like us, you will end up learning more from them than you could ever imagine. Together, we can lay a stronger foundation for all children. Join us as we explore health, across the gender spectrum. Additional note: When submitting answers to quizzes, you may be asked to enter your "full legal name". This feature is primarily for verification purposes for courses that offer a certificate on Coursera, so it does not really apply to this course. We recognize that, for some individuals the name they use does not match the one on their legal documents. Please feel free to enter the name you normally use in these boxes.
Who is this class for: This course is for anyone who cares about children and wants to make the world better for them. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Created by: Stanford University
Taught by: Maya Adam, MD, Lecturer
Stanford School of Medicine
| Level | Beginner |
| Commitment | Three weeks. Roughly one hour every week. |
| Language | English |
| Hardware Req | There are no special hardware requirements for this course. |
| How To Pass | Pass all graded assignments to complete the course. |
| User Ratings |
Syllabus
WEEK 1
What is Gender Identity?
In module one, we will begin to hear some of the real-life experiences of transgender children, their friends and families. We will gain a better understanding of terms like: gender identity, sex assigned at birth and sexual orientation as well as understanding how these characteristics differ from one another. By the end of this module, learners be more familiar with what it means to be transgender and what it means to have a non-binary gender identity.
6 videos, 2 practice quizzes
- Video: Course Introduction
- Video: "Don't Give Up"
- Video: What is the Difference Between Sex Assigned at Birth and Gender Identity?
- Video: "You Amaze Me Every Day"
- Practice Quiz: The main point #1
- Video: What is the Difference Between Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation?
- Practice Quiz: The main point #2
- Video: Ben Barres: "It's No Longer Necessary to Live in the Closet"
- Discussion Prompt: Gender and Role Models
Graded: Gender Identity
WEEK 2
What is the Gender Spectrum?
In this module, we will explore some of the gender affirming management options available to support the health of transgender children across their lifespan, including the potential benefits of delaying puberty in transgender adolescents. We will examine the medical classification of transgender and take a closer look at how the diagnosis has changed over time as well as the arguments for and against the need for a medical diagnosis.
6 videos, 3 practice quizzes
- Video: What are the Gender-Affirming Management Options for Transgender Individuals?
- Practice Quiz: The main point #3
- Video: "I Wouldn't Ask for Any Other Child"
- Discussion Prompt: Gender Affirmation
- Video: How is Transgender Classified in Medicine?
- Practice Quiz: The main point #4
- Video: "It's Got to Be OK"
- Discussion Prompt: Gender Identity and Friendships
- Video: What is a Non-Binary Gender Identity?
- Practice Quiz: The main point #5
- Video: "Who Doesn't Want to Be Heard?"
- Discussion Prompt: Your Experiences of Being Supported
Graded: The Gender Spectrum
WEEK 3
How Do We Create a Gender-Inclusive Society?
In this module, we will explore some of the concrete steps that healthcare providers, teachers and parents can take to make their clinics, schools and homes more gender inclusive. We will discuss the importance of making basic facilities such as restrooms accessible to all children and we will explore the adverse consequences that can occur when children do not feel safe using public restrooms. We will also discuss the negative health outcomes associated with lack of familial and societal support for the transgender child.
7 videos, 3 practice quizzes
- Video: How to Create Gender-Inclusive Healthcare Settings
- Practice Quiz: The main point #6
- Video: "Hold Space for Your Child"
- Discussion Prompt: Bathrooms and Bullying
- Video: How to Create Gender-Inclusive Classroom Settings
- Practice Quiz: The main point #7
- Video: "This is Real"
- Discussion Prompt: Creating Gender Inclusiveness in Your Life
- Video: Alice Lyman Miller: "You've Only Got One Life"
- Video: Why Is Social Support So Important for Transgender Individuals?
- Practice Quiz: The main point #8
- Video: "What is a Girl?"
- Discussion Prompt: How Can You Support Transgender Friends and Family?
Graded: Creating a Gender Inclusive Society
FAQs
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Coursework
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Creators
Stanford University
The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is an American private research university located in Stanford, California on an 8,180-acre (3,310 ha) campus near Palo Alto, California, United States.
Ratings and Reviews
The course is very useful and efficient. Easy to understand for non-English speakers. I have learned a lot about gender spectrum.
I found this very information coming from other families points of views. My youngest came out several years ago and told us they are transgender and this has been a learning experience in humility and love.
I loved the course. Very enlightening and interesting.
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Wonderful course! It gives me a brand new vision when consider gender.