The power of gender representation
WHAT WE ALLOW AND ENABLE CHILDREN TO SEE and experience has tremendous power in their learning. Historically speaking, the vast majority of children represented in literature and the media have been cisgender, thin, white, able-bodied children who conform to gender stereotypes.
Fortunately, representations of children in books, movies, television, and advertising are becoming more diverse. We have a long way to go, but we have begun to see far more children with diverse genders, gender expressions, body types, and abilities, as well as diverse racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. This diversity has begun to extend to toys, children’s books and curriculum materials as well. As you reflect on your own classroom materials and curriculum, consider the messages that they send to children about who exists in the world, who is celebrated, and who might be excluded.
How and where is gender represented?
It is still the case that the characters children encounter in books and other media are predominantly white and stereotypically male. Girls are less likely to have active roles and voices in children’s books—and they are more likely to be engaged in stereotypically feminine activities. When characters have more diverse and less stereotypical interests, they are still more likely to be identified as boys. These are just a few of the ways that our classroom materials can reinforce gender stereotypes rather than challenging them. What early childhood educators should aim for is the meaningful representation of diverse children who express their genders in a variety of ways. The unique characteristics of these children should never be presented as the central “problem” to be solved.
Representation matters for LGBTQ+ children.
Children who are part of, or will grow up to be part of, the LGBTQ+ community need to see themselves represented in the world. This includes children who are trans or gender-expansive. Representation enables them to envision a wider array of possibilities for themselves, their lives, their relationships, and a future with them in it. Representation can also help trans and gender-expansive children recognize that their uniqueness is positive and worthy of sharing and celebrating. LGBTQ+ adults often report that they knew they were different from other children very early on in their development, but they lacked an understanding of what it meant, a vocabulary for expressing their identity, adults who were safe to talk to, and/or role models to emulate. Children who are erased from the representations we share as educators may learn fear and shame and begin to experience mental health symptoms before they even understand why. Particularly in our current sociopolitical climate—as we experience wave after wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and sentiment—children need to see positive representations of trans and gender-expansive youth. If we wait to affirm them until they come later in life, it will be too late: the damage of erasure has already been done. When it comes to LGBTQ+ representation, earlier is always better!
Diverse gender representation matters for all children.
It is critical for all children to be exposed to diverse representation, not just the children who are part of a marginalized community. Discrimination, hatred and fear are often rooted in ignorance. Children who will grow up to identify as straight, cisgender adults must see LGBTQ+ representation in order to build their knowledge. When LGBTQ+ identities and families are normalized from childhood on, they are less likely to be misunderstood, marginalized and victimized. When trans identities, in particular, are part of all children’s experiences—whether in real life or through depictions in the media—we create a safer world for the trans community. In this way, representation can actually save lives since trans people continue to face staggering degrees of discrimination, with transgender women in particular at alarming risk of hate crimes—including murder. Transgender women of color are nine times more likely to be victims of hate crimes than other groups. The misunderstanding and hate that fuel these attacks can only be dispelled through education and representation. When children grow up with inclusive resources and representations of diversity, the likelihood of prejudice and violence is reduced.
Not all representation is equal.
As you consider diverse books and curriculum materials, remember that one resource cannot tell all of our diverse stories. And, while representation is an important consideration, not all representation is positive or beneficial. Characters should be nuanced and well-rounded. While gender identity can be a significant part of the story, it should not be the character’s entire story. Gender-diverse characters should possess agency to act in the world, and should ultimately represent more than their marginalized identities. We must also show multiple examples of a given identity. If a classroom has one book about a transgender child, that’s great. However, there is more than one way to be transgender, and if we only tell one story, children might think that is the only way to be transgender. We must also show how identities intersect and overlap. For example, a person (or character) isn’t just transgender. They are also, perhaps, Latinx or Muslim or hearing impaired—and they may have unique interests, assets and motivations.
High-quality representation is key.
When children see themselves reflected in literature and the media, they see possibilities for themselves and their lives. We want every child to feel seen and recognized—and to experience a sense of belonging in the world and hope for the future. We want children of all genders, gender expressions and identities to move confidently through life, feeling safe and valued by others. We want children to appreciate diversity, form diverse friendships, and act as allies. These goals can only be realized if we systematically and critically examine the representation in our buildings, classrooms, programming, and learning materials.
Ready to harness the power of gender representation?
Looking for books that feature diverse characters and challenge gender stereotypes? Check out our Inclusive Children’s Books section, which lists more than 60 of the best inclusive children's books currently in print, as well as a free, downloadable teaching guide for each book with discussion topics, activities, and tips for meeting early learning standards.