Lesson 8

Lesson 6

Bodies Beyond Binary

This session centers transgender and gender-diverse students with Introductions to gender dysphoria and the idea that support is available. Reinforces that all kids deserve to feel comfortable in their bodies.
Key Ideas
  • For some kids, puberty feels like it is going in the wrong direction for who they are.
  • Gender dysphoria describes the discomfort a person feels when their body does not match their gender identity.
  • This is different from just not liking puberty; it is a deep mismatch between body and identity.
  • Some transgender kids talk to parents and doctors about options like puberty blockers.
  • Puberty blockers are like a pause button: they stop puberty temporarily while a person figures things out.
  • Whatever decisions a person and their family make are personal and deserve respect.
  • Every kid deserves to feel comfortable in their own body.


Vocabulary
TermDefinition
Gender dysphoriaThe discomfort a transgender person feels when their body does not match their gender identity.
Puberty blockersMedicine that pauses puberty to give a person more time before their body changes further.
AffirmingSupporting and accepting someone for who they truly are.
Coming outThe personal decision to share your gender identity or sexual orientation with others.