Concepts Overview

Concept 1. Consisting of 12 lessons, the primary focus is on the developing body,

reproduction, and sex assigned at birth. Inclusive language is used by referring to people with
XX or XY chromosomes and/or “people with uterus’ / people with a penis.” In this way, it
removes the binary and welcomes all genders and identities into the conversation. Through these
conversations, hormone blockers and hormone replacement therapy is a topic of discussion. It
should be noted that not all 2-spirit, trans, non-binary, gender non-conforming and/or agender
folx will use these options, but it is available to those who are interested in pausing puberty
and/or engaging with some aspects of transitioning. This concept also explores body image in
terms of genetics, as well as societal expectations and helps students to reflect on their own
bodies and how that has been shaped by family, friends, and society as a whole. Students have
the ability to navigate this topic with others, or individually and create a more holistic view of
themselves.

Concept 2. As gender is a spectrum, this unit has been constructed to build upon the
previous concept and help students to explore how gender is fluid and also the discrimination
that exists around it. Consisting of 10 lessons, gender identity, inequity, homophobia/transphobia,
and gender-based violence are intertwined with social justice and a global context. Students are
able to reflect on their own experiences to help them navigate how these concepts affect different
people in different ways while exploring ways to combat negative situations in an inclusive
manner.

Concept 3. In our current society, “sex is constructed as dangerous, something to be

feared, taboo, and forbidden, and punishable by disease” (Bhana, pg. 437, 2007). This concept,
with 4 lessons, explores sex and sexuality as a positive aspect of human identity. The complexity
of sexuality, sexual pleasure, and sexuality as we age are all important aspects that students
explore in a positive manner. This encompasses self-stimulation for all folx, including those who
are currently on hormone replacement therapy and have experienced changes in their bodies. By
having a healthy understanding of sex and sexuality, students will be able to better understand
what feels good, how it feels good, as well as potential problems that could arise.

Concept 4 & 5. With five and seven lessons, respectfully, these two concepts dive into
communication to successfully navigate decision making, in a positive way, regarding sex and
sexual actions. It explores what values the students hold important and how that is shaped by
family, friends, and society. Finally, it also explores human rights on a national and global level
focusing on how sex and reproductive rights are affected, not only by the legal standards set out
by different countries but through a gender binary imposed by society. In these two concepts,
students have the ability to reflect on their own perceptions, determine where those perceptions
were formulated, and if they represent an inclusive perspective on sex and sexuality.
 Concept 6 & 7. Decision-making and value creation is a development influenced by
friends, family, and society. Through these two concepts, students explore the complexities of
relationships (between friends and family members) and how that changes over time as people
grow and develop. Students explore how the composition of families is not tied to a binary, and
neither is the ability to give birth. Students explore how trans men are able to give birth,
connecting back to concepts one and two in regards to body parts and hormone replacement
therapy. Through the exploration of consent and types of relationships
(healthy/unhealthy/abusive/violent), students learn how to navigate responses and safety plans,
not only for themselves but for those around them.

Concept 8. Here again, students explore the importance of healthy sexuality and
understanding your own body regardless of how you identify or the changes your body may be
undergoing. Concepts like birth control, mammograms, PAP tests, and STIs are all explored in a
way that is inclusive of intersex, trans, agender, gender fluid, and other non-binary folx. These
topics are important for everyone to navigate in a healthy and open manner to ensure that
pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) begin to decrease among everyone,
including the Queer community (Rosario et al., 2020).