How myths about inclusive practices lead to harm

WHEN WE ADDRESS GENDER AND LGBTQ+ TOPICS in the early childhood classroom, do we risk sexualizing children? Absolutely not.

In some cases, this myth may arise from an assumption that gender connotes sexual orientation.

In other cases, this myth is weaponized to attack LGBTQ+ people by implying that their mere existence is somehow sexual—and that children should not be taught about LGBTQ+ people for this reason.

Explore how this myth operates, its harmful effects, and how to challenge it below.

Myth

Faulty premise

Gender diversity and LGBTQ+ identities are inherently sexual topics.

Mistaken conclusion

Teaching about LGBTQ+ people and gender diversity is teaching about sexual behavior, and therefore it is inappropriate for children to learn about.

Impact on teaching practices

Inclusive activities and books are deemed inappropriate for young children and excluded from early childhood classrooms and programs.

Negative outcomes

We continue to silence and “erase” LGBTQ+ identities. Myths and stereotypes persist.

This myth perpetuates the idea that LGBTQ+ people and explorations of gender should be censored. Schools that base their policies on this erroneous assumption can be hostile, unwelcoming and unsafe for gender-diverse or LBGTQ+ children and families. For some, of course, this is the desired outcome. But it’s a harmful one based on a faulty premise. Children and family members who don’t conform to heteronormative expectations are not the only ones who are harmed: By subscribing to this myth, we deny other children the opportunity to become informed and supportive allies.

Reality

Fact

Identity is about who we know ourselves to be. Gender exploration and expression in the early childhood classroom does not involve exploring sexual behavior.

Evidence-based conclusion

When early childhood educators raise awareness of LGBTQ+ people and gender diversity, they are teaching children about the lived realities of all children and families.

Impact on teaching practices

Teachers introduce inclusive language, books and activities that raise awareness of diverse identities and affirm the lived realities of all children.

Positive outcomes

Early childhood educators dispel myths, challenge stereotypes, build awareness of gender diversity, and foster early pride, empathy and allyship

Be a Myth Buster!

Our commitment to addressing gender bias, identity and diversity benefits all children. Let’s grow as educators by combating misinformation.

Use the chart below to identify and address common myths about gender identity:

The MythsThe RealityWhat you do to become a better myth buster.
There are only two genders (male and female).The gender binary exists. However, it is an idea, not a reality. It does not represent all people and never has.• Learn about third-gender people around the world.
• Explore the histories and experiences of trans and non-binary people.
• Learn from trans educators and activists whose work is readily accessible.
Gender is determined by the presence of XX (female) or XY (male) sex chromosomes.Many people have bodies and physiological characteristics that do not fit into reductive binary stereotypes. In fact, human anatomy is far more diverse and complex than we often realize. Anatomical and physiological differences support the concept of gender diversity rather than refute it.• Learn more about what it means to be intersex and how intersex people challenge our binary assumptions about assigned sex at birth.
Anatomy determines gender.Many people have bodies and physiological characteristics that do not fit into reductive binary stereotypes. In fact, human anatomy is far more diverse and complex than we often realize. Anatomical and physiological differences support the concept of gender diversity rather than refute it.• Explore examples of binary stereotypes about male and female physiology that are not supported by research.
• Learn about the lives of intersex individuals in the past and present, including the ongoing practice of performing surgeries on intersex children to “correct” their genitalia, often when they are too young to understand what is happening or give their informed consent.
• Recognize that we do not have to know about people’s bodies in order to show them respect and affirm their dignity.
Doctors determine gender.Doctors typically assign a sex at birth based on their observations of infants' external anatomy. While many people will refer to this as “biological sex,” there are many variations of biology, chromosomes, anatomy, and other individual features that influence sex and gender.

Gender is an expression of who we know ourselves to be. Anatomy and gender are just two of many factors that may influence a person’s gender identity.		• Educate yourself about the limitations of the concept of assigned sex at birth.
Gender-affirming care involves performing surgery on children.Gender-affirming care in early childhood does not involve surgery. Instead, families work with educators and healthcare professionals to affirm and support children as they explore and express their gender identities. In an early childhood classroom, gender-affirming practices might involve referring to children by their stated pronouns and preferred names, as well as supporting their wardrobe and toy choices.• Educate yourself about gender-affirming care for young children.
• Explore how gender-affirming care can give children a sense of agency, which is a feeling of control over what happens in their lives.
By teaching young children about gender diversity, we make them want to be trans.Trans people already exist and deserve representation and affirmation in educational settings. Teaching children about gender diversity equips them to better understand the world and be better allies. Our efforts to acknowledge and support gender-expansive children in our work can be lifesaving.• Accusing inclusive educators of an agenda to “make children LGBTQ” is a tactic used to instill fear in educators and prevent change. Equip yourself with the information you need to combat myths that have no basis in fact.
• Consider how you can work with colleagues to better articulate your vision of representation, inclusion and support for gender-expansive children.
Most people who transition will regret it later in life.The vast majority of trans people do not detransition. Regardless, trans people should have the right to transition and to detransition.• Gain a better understanding of what transitioning actually means.
• Explore the many diverse and highly personal meanings of transitioning.

Takeaways

LGBTQ+ educators, families and children exist everywhere. Learning about LGBTQ+ people and Rainbow families is no different than learning about other types of people. Teaching that different adults have different kinds of partners is simply relating a basic fact of life. To help children navigate their identity development without fear or shame—and to encourage them to treat others with respect and sensitivity—we must teach them that gender is theirs to name, claim, explore, and express. Children do not need to be protected from these facts. In fact, by censoring this information, we stifle their curiosity, rob them of their sense of agency, place them at risk of harm, and deprive ourselves of opportunities to teach them important life lessons and skills.