Spread Awareness

  

        Cultivating gender awareness means being able to reflect on our own and others’ gender-related experiences while also having knowledge and understanding of relevant language, terms, and definitions, as well as a commitment to learning as language evolves to accurately reflect human experience. Gender has a powerful influence on our lives. We encounter messages and ideas about gender from a very young age. Sources of that messaging can include peers, families, cultures, policies, religions, books, TV/films, advertising, music, etc. The messages themselves often take the form of “gender norms,” and they can shape our interests, our values, our mental health, the majors or careers we select, the ways we dress, the ways we behave around others, and countless other choices we make throughout our lifetimes. For example, if young boys are gradually taught that it isn’t “boy-like” to play with dolls, they will be less likely to choose that sort of play even when they find it fun and joyful. They will also often feel shame around this part of themselves. Contrary to what many believe, gender is not innate or intrinsic (see a list of gender- and identity-related definitions). In other words, it is not something we are born with, but instead is a social construct. It is also not required to live a fulfilling life, and, in fact, many people exist without an identified gender (“agender”). Gender categories and norms were invented by humans in an attempt to neatly organize vastly complex and diverse bodies and behaviors, rather than allowing human bodies and behaviors to simply be complex and diverse. This website may be a starting point or the next chapter in your process of learning more about gender and its impact on our mental health. We hope it helps you develop healthy relationships with gender in your life while helping to build a world in which we can all live authentically and feel like we are loved and belong. There are three important parts of this process: gender awareness, gender inclusivity, and gender health.