Understand your own gender identity
We get so many messages about how we should be - it can be hard to unearth who we really are. Take some time to reflect on what feels true for you.
ACTIVITYExplore how your upbringing has influenced the ways you understand gender.
When you start to pinpoint what has influenced your view of gender, you can better understand what you want to un-learn. Go through this interactive chat to reflect: what influenced how you see gender?
Just a reminder that this is not a live person or a crisis service. If you feel you’re in need of crisis support, please head here.
LEARNLearn about the terms we use for gender.
We are just starting to put better words to the diversity of gender identities. Learn more about the ever-evolving terms we use for gender; you might find something that feels right to you.
RESOURCEUnderstand media’s role in perpetuating gender stereotypes.
Media (like TV, movies, books) can play a large role in perpetuating stereotypes about gender. Check out the Critical Media Project and their collection of the ways media has reinforced certain ideas about gender, and how you might unpack it yourself.
ACTIVITYReflect on your own gender journey.
Gender isn’t a binary—it’s more of a journey which can evolve and grow and change over time. For this activity, draw in the box below your own gender journey. Then, read through some of the journeys other LGBTQ+ teens have shared.
Here are the journey’s from other LGBTQ+ teens:
“Honestly, I’ve been all over the place. Sometimes I’m like ‘yeah, she/hers’ other times I’m feeling super androgynous and feel more they/them. It’s nice to be okay with it always flowing".”
– Tye, 16 (Anchorage, AK)
“I spent most of my life feeling like I needed to be what the doctor told me I was. It wasn’t until I learned that gender really is a construct did I begin to start exploring my gender. Turns out, I’m a little bit of everything”
– Cam, 16 (Birmingham, AL)
LEARNCheck out the ways people are identifying and expressing themselves.
"I am a cisgender, gay man. I love wearing bright, floral prints; honestly I’m drawn to anything that has flowers and leaves!" – Rodney (he/him)
"Hi! I am a Latinx, genderfluid poet. Lately I’ve been feeling capes — they’re great for a dramatic exit." – Savannah (she/hers, they/them)
"I’m a trans, bisexual woman. I like to do drag makeup, create art with my theater collective, and chill with my cat." – Camden (she/hers)
"I’m pansexual and masc-of-center. Anything witchy and glittery is for me! You can catch me curled up with a good sci-fi novel or knitting socks." –Risa (she/her, he/him)
"I’m a queer, nonbinary, Asian-American femme. These days, I’m really feeling anything cozy and sparkly. I love to collect Disney pins and take portraits of my friends." –Niki (all pronouns)
ACTIVITYPlay with different identities through ‘build-a-queer’.
Sometimes the easiest way to understand something, is to build it. While you won’t be making a full-grown human, with this activity you’ll take some space to explore what your identity could be.
Want to go one step further? Build an avatar!