Within North America, LGBTQ+ scholarship, activism, and lived experience contain histories of polarization, contention, oppression, inequality, and violence directed towards transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse folks. In light of the increasing transgender exclusionary rhetoric, scholarship, and legislation, which seek to limit the rights, freedoms, and safety of trans and non-binary individuals, it is crucial to acknowledge the ways that this history remains present within the contemporary moment (Stryker and Bettcher 2016). In relation to feminist scholarship, the presence of transgender studies and activism invites people to better meaningfully recognize, understand, and accept the particular and complex ways that gender is an important social and material reality. This website aims to centre and celebrate  the diverse range of knowledge and love that trans and gender non-conforming people offer the world. We are glad you are here and hope to support your learning and curiosity!

 

The Exploring Gender Collective comes from diverse academic backgrounds that consist of Gender and Women’s Studies, Art History, Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work. This unique positioning offers us an interdisciplinary and inclusive approach to gender creativity, youth, and trans-centered research and care. We met each other virtually in January 2021 through the Gender and Women’s Studies Course, GWST 423: Trans(Gender) Feminisms taught by Dr. Heather Latimer at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan (UBCO). This course focused on the historical and contemporary contributions of trans scholars and activists in the development of both transgender studies and feminist scholarship. As part of the required course work, we met together each week in a focused reading and facilitation group to discuss assigned course readings. From these initial learning sessions it became clear that we shared an interest in expansive and supportive approaches to gender curiosity, inclusivity, and creativity for adolescent-aged youth. After a preliminary field scan of existing resources, we identified a gap in youth-centred and gender inclusive resources for educators.  With this idea in mind, Dr. Latimer offered us the opportunity to collaboratively develop this website as our final project within the course. We understand that the insights and resources we have gained through these courses and experiences has provided us with a unique skill set and critical opportunity to share knowledge regarding transgender scholarship and activism with a community beyond our university classroom. 

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All visuals and digital artifacts for the Exploring Gender project were designed by Madelaine Lekei.