Gender Identity
This video further explains the meaning of Gender.
Gender identity is societally constructed and based on an internal perception of behaviours, attributes and self-expression and how these related to the individual’s ideas of concepts such as masculinity and femininity.
An individual’s gender identity may or may not align with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Those individuals who identify their gender identity as the same as the sex they were assigned at birth are known as cisgender. Those who’s gender identity differs in some way from the sex they were assigned at birth are known as transgender, and can identify with binary or non-binary.
P R O N O U N S
At LUU, we strongly believe that it is a fundamental right for everyone to be able to choose their own pronouns. If you are less familiar with the LGBTQ+ community, or if you don't have to think about your gender regularly, it is your responsibility as an ally to seek out education to better your understanding.
You may notice staff using their pronouns in email signatures, online meetings and wearing pronoun badges.
Why do we do it? Having pronouns in our email signature, online meetings and badges can set a norm and encourage others to do the same. It shows your support and ally ship towards transgender and non-binary staff and students. It can also help minimise the chance of anyone being mis gendered.
Remember! Some people may not be ready to declare their pronouns, and that is a personal decision. If you are comfortable sharing your pronouns, we encourage you to do so in the hope that this encourages others to feel more comfortable in sharing theirs. Find out more here.
R E S O U R C E S
Be proactive about your learning! You can find out information in a variety of ways, from podcasts, to books, films, articles and more. Here are a few suggestions:
Netflix explained is a series on Youtube which explores culturally relevant topics.
In this episode: Hillary Clinton and Anne-Marie Slaughter discuss the cultural norms at the center of the worldwide gender pay gap, including the "motherhood penalty."
Feminist aims to create an online community that is rooted in intersectional feminism. While amplifying a diverse network of change makers, activists and creators, this needs to be your go-to source for all things feminist.
Be a Man by Chris Hemmings explores the damage of macho culture and Chris' experience of this. He asks, how does our masculine determination to be dominant not only impact on the women and girls in our lives, but also the men and boys.
Employees coming out as Non-Binary. Inclusive Employers have explored how you can support non-binary people in the workplace.
Click here to read the article.
Explore their collection of articles on Gender here.
I N T E R S E C T I O N A L I T Y
Intersectionality is a theory which helps us to understand how our individual identities overlap and intersect, to create different levels of discrimination or disadvantage.
This is important in the workplace as it helps us to truly understand the uniqueness of people’s experiences.
“There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle because we do not live single-issue lives.” – Audre Lorde.
Watch: "I was born Black and Female" - Dr Kimberlee Crenshaw.
A L L Y S H I P
Staff at LUU are expected to be inclusive of everyone, regardless of their gender identity. Our language and the way we speak is often enriched with gendered cues. The tips below are simple changes that you can make to your language, that will make a huge difference and help to make everyone feel included.
Introduce yourself with your name and pronouns in meetings - this can remind people that its not always immediately obvious what pronouns someone uses.
Use words that define the relationship instead of the gender. For example use 'parents' or 'partner'.
Check work-related documents and policies to ensure they use inclusive language. For example using 'they' instead of he/she, and avoiding sentences that imply two genders.
Instead of addressing groups of people as 'ladies and gentlemen', use inclusive alternatives such as 'everyone'. Click here to find out why.
Use their/they/them as a common gender neutral pronoun.
When highlighting role models in your events/celebrations, include binary and non-binary roles.