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Exploring Gender Identity in the

Context of Your RA Role

Alexa Forster

University of Washington

March 30, 2015

+ PAIR & SHARE

Think about a time when you felt that

you were at a disadvantage

because of the gender that you

identify with.

+ SEX v. GENDER

Sex Gender

Sex: biological

Gender: culturally shaped expression of sexual differences: the masculine way in which men should

behave and the feminine way in which women should

behave

Evans et al., 2010

Gender norms reinforced from before birth

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+ TRANSGENDER IDENTITY

DEVELOPMENT

Majority of work has come from medical and clinical psychological perspectives

Bilodeaus (2005) transgender identity development

Exiting a traditionally gendered identity

Developing a personal transgender identity

Developing a transgender social identity

Becoming a transgender offspring

Developing a transgender intimacy status

Entering a transgender community

Evans et al., 2010 (p. 342)

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CASE

STUDY

Jayce's Story

+ CAMPUS PROFILE

Two-year, on campus living

requirement

Halls are co-ed with single

gendered floors

All buildings are at nearly 100%

capacity

+ STUDENT: JORDAN

Currently living as a man and has

decided to start living as a woman

1st year student

Enjoys living on campus and wants

to fulfill residency requirement

+ ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Jordan wants new room assignment with female roommate

Jordan has started using female bathroom and shower facilities to match her gender identification

Female residents have expressed discomfort with this situation

Jordans parents support her and want the university to accommodate her request

+ YOUR TASK

Develop a plan of action for this

case

Utilize readings, if applicable, and

previous knowledge to aid in your

decision-making

+ GROUPS OF FOUR

Operations

Housing staff

Community

floor and building mates

Jordan

Mediator

keeps time and ensures other three group members have equal speaking time

+ GROUP DISCUSSION

Describe action plans

What worked well in group? What were points of

contention?

What is feasible with existing structures? New

construction?

Good practices on college campuses to accommodate

trans students?

+ REFLECTION

How can you, in your RA role,

support students who are

transgender or gender non-

conforming?

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QUESTIONS?