Gender Equality

Definition for “Gender Equality” and why we do this work

by Rev. J Zirbel

Gender describes the way you see yourself and how you identify in terms of “male” / ”female” / ”gender variant.” Gender also describes the way you see others, and then identify them. One’s perception of another’s gender isn’t always correct. Has this ever happened to you? Embarrassment over this misunderstanding can be uncomfortable. Fear, anger and violence are too often the response to people who do not fit another’s gender expectations.*

Gender equality is about recognizing the diversity of ways people identify their gender and express their gender, and all people’s right to respect and self expression.

We have a deep desire to love and care for neighbor as self. Exploring with folks on the multitude experiences of people based on their gender identity [be it “gender variant,” “female,” and / or “male”] broadens our understanding of our own gender identity, and that of our neighbors. Embracing the diversity of human expressions needs to replace judgments based on fear and anger about what is acceptable and what is unacceptable in the gender expression of another for our desire to live in loving kindness to prevail.

*See: ​National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs’ (NCAVP) “2012 Report on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and HIV-Affected Hate Violence.”

Transge​nder Resources

by Rev. J Zirbel

The Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, for remembering those who have died due to anti-transgender hate violence, is observed the third Sunday of November. Text for a bulletin insert is available from Rainbow Community Cares (RCCares).

The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (NCAVP) website is an excellent source for information including terminology, issues and concerns of people who are Transgender, as well as the LGBTQ community in general.

For an article on culturally sensitive training re: transgender people, see Voter Identity and Trans* Voters.

Books

GENDERqUEER: Voices From Beyond the Sexual Binary Edited by Joan Nestle, Clare Howell, Riki Wilchins © 2002

Transgender History by Susan Stryker Published by Seal Press © 2008

Transgender Warriors: Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman by Leslie Feinberg, Beacon Press © 1996

Trans Liberation: Beyond Pink or Blue by Leslie Feinberg, Beacon Press © 1998

Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation by Kate Bornstein and S. Bear Bergman, Seal Press ©2010

My Gender Workbook by Kate Bernstein Published by Taylor and Francis © 1997

TRANSGENDER EXPLAINED For Those Who Are Not by Joanne Herman, AuthorHouse @2009

Documentaries

Arts in Action: Diverse Voices on Page and Stage

Boys Don't Cry

Breakfast on Pluto

Fish Out of Water

Gender Matters: Expressions and Entities Beyond the Binary from youth in motion empowering students through LGBTQ film 2008