Gender, Respect

and Relationships
Lesson 2 - Gender & Sex
 Understanding the difference between Gender & Sex

• Gender

The word gender describes the differences between girls and boys and men and women that are shaped by culture,
traditions and history, and the way that societies organise what boys and girls, men and women are expected to do.
This includes things like the way people are expected to dress and behave.

Gender roles and expectations are learned, meaning they can change over time, vary from culture to culture, and
play out differently at different stages of life.

Gender Identity Terms: Transgender, Cisgender, Non-Binary, Gender Fluid, Gender Neutral and more..

• Sex

We use the word sex to describe the biology of being born male, female or intersex.
 Activity 1: Understanding pronouns

Pronouns are words used to refer to a person other than their name.

They, She and He are all examples of common pronouns. Some people also prefer less common pronouns.

They, Xe (pronounced Zee) and Ey (pronounced ay) are a few common gender-neutral pronouns. They’re basically
pronouns that don’t imply ‘male’ or ‘female’.

There are lots of reasons why it’s important to use the correct pronouns a person prefers, but the simple answer is it
can make a person feel that you see them for who they are and make them feel safe.

Changing the words you use in general can be harder than expected, but making the effort can go a really long way.

https://pronouns.minus18.org.au/ - Game
 Activity 2: A question of gender
The aim of this activity is to examine your understanding of gender as a social
construction.

It is important to remember the class ground rules and practices to keep you all safe, as the
activities are starting to look at case studies that will help you to explore your own and
other students’ perceptions, attitudes and understanding in relation to gender and aspects
of sexuality.
 Activity 2: A question of gender
Complete the following sentence stems…
● 1. One of the things I enjoy most about being the sex I was born, is… I’m already at an advantage
in society because of the gender I was born, and I acknowledge this privilege
● 2. My family would describe me as… easy going, laidback & carefree
● 3. My friends would say that I was…
● 4. I act powerfully when…
● 5. Because of the sex that I was born, I am expected… to provide, be strong, and not show too
much emotion.
● 6. If I were born as the opposite sex, I would probably enjoy…
● 7. Being the sex I was born as, I strongly challenge the expectation that I should… Not show
emotion or be able to talk about feelings and sensitive topics with others.
● 8. The most important things in my life are… my family, friends and the students I teach
 Activity: A question of gender
Because I am a....
Because I am a boy, I am expected to… Because I am a girl, I am expected to…
 Activity: A question of gender
Answer the discussion questions

1. Do the expectations advantage one gender over another? How?

2. Does one gender have more power than another? How and in what circumstances?
3. Are there any expectations you would like to see changed? Why?
4. Are there any expectations you would like to see remain? Why?
 Activity: Alex and Charlie’s stories
Step 1- Read through Alex and Charlie’s stories

Step 2 - Answer the discussion questions

● What do you think Alex and Charlie’s friends did to make them feel supported?
● How did Alex and Charlie’s school support them?
● Think about a time when a friend stood up for you. How did that feel?
● What stereotypes have you experienced?
● Can you think of a time when you felt excluded from a group? How did that make you
feel?
● What helped to make Alex and Charlie’s experiences positive?
● What would a world that was supportive and inclusive of gender diversity for young
people look like?