Woke Read Aloud and Gender Identity

I loved this! I was sitting on the couch watching the video on my phone  asked my 4 year old, Oliver, to join me. He was so excited to do homework with mommy. He had so many questions. I was amazed at how comfortable he was asking them and that he was completely accepting of the answers. 

• Mommy, what is a pronoun?
• What is tree? (To be honest, this one was new to me too.)
• Why do girls not want to be 'she'?
• What do you like to be called?
• What am I?

I told him that my preferred pronouns are she/her/hers. He insisted on calling me "SHE" for the rest of the night. 

• She, can I have a treat?
• Good night, She.
• I love you, She.

Well, that's not quite how pronouns work, but I was happy he was listening to what I was saying and respecting my wishes. I explained that he gets to choose whatever pronouns make him feel happy, just as Ki had said in the video. I then asked what he would like to be called.  (Click the link below.)

     OLIVER     

We ended up watching a couple other videos together. It was a great teaching moment... for both of us. 

I also read through the Guidance for RI Schools on Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students.  According to the guidance:

Some students may feel uncomfortable with a transgender student using the same sex-segregated restroom, locker room or changing facility. This discomfort is not a reason to deny access to the transgender student. School administrators and counseling staff should work with students to foster understanding of gender identity and to create a school culture that respects and values all students. Schools could consider gender-neutral restrooms and/or gender-neutral changing facility in the design of new schools and school renovations.

I appreciate that RIDE is encouraging schools to create an inclusive environment where children can understand and accept others' gender identities. This should be something that is taught, not only in school, but also at home. I look forward to the class discussion this week. I think it is safe to assume there will be some varying opinions.