Gender Identity and Expression

This book answers young readers' questions about gender – what it is, what it isn't, and how it impacts our experiences and our interactions with others.

Gender is an essential part of all our lives, whether we recognize it as such or not and regardless of how we identify and express that identity. Gender informs how we feel about ourselves, the clothes we wear, how we engage with others, and much more. This volume’s 48 questions cover concepts such as gender roles and norms, the binary gender system and cisnormativity, gendered language, and gender discrimination and bias. Readers will also discover practical guidance on topics such as confronting gender-based bullying and advocating for the rights of gender diverse individuals.

Augmenting the main text, a collection of 5 case studies illustrate key concepts and issues through relatable stories and insightful recommendations. The Common Misconceptions section at the beginning of the volume dispels 5 long-standing and potentially dangerous myths about gender identity and expression, directing readers to additional information in the text. The glossary defines terms that may be unfamiliar to readers, while the directory of resources curates a list of the most useful books, websites, and other materials. Finally, whether they’re looking for more information about this subject or any other health-related topic, readers can turn to the Guide to Health Literacy section for practical tools and strategies for finding, evaluating, and using credible sources of health information both on and off the Internet.