Gender: Beyond the Binary
Caitlyn Jenner’s story catapulted transgender issues into the spotlight. While we still have a way to go, we are making strides for transgender equality. However, there is a newer movement happening: one where the whole notion of the binary gender system – female and male – is limited and even unnecessary. In one study, 60% of people between the ages of 14 – 34 think gender is fluid or blurred. This webinar will start by looking at the social construction of this binary and then examine how this creates limitations and challenges for a growing gender nonconforming youth and young adult population. We will review necessary definitions, as well as share some strategies for creating gender inclusive spaces.
Prior to TCA, Chris’ experience includes professional roles at The University of Massachusetts - Amherst, Brown University, Rhode Island College, SpeakOut Boston (the nation’s oldest LGBTQ speakers bureau), City Year, Exploration Schools, and most recently Wentworth Institute of Technology as their first Director of Diversity Programs. While at Wentworth Chris led their assessment initiatives related to being an inclusive campus and worked with the President and her Advisory Council on creating Wentworth’s first strategic initiative on diversity and inclusion. Chris has taught numerous classes on social justice and leadership development, and is currently an Adjunct Professor for Middlesex Community College. Additionally Chris has presented at national conferences such as the Racial Justice Institute at Creating Change and The White Privilege Conference, as well as regional conferences for American College Personnel Administrators (ACPA) and National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA).
Chris also serves as a Co-Lead Facilitator for the LeaderShape Institute, a national organization committed to creating “a just, caring, and thriving world where all lead with integrity and a healthy disregard for the impossible”, and as a Facilitator for Outward Bound Professional, the division of OB that focuses on transformative leadership development with corporate clients using experiential education in the outdoors.
Chris is a skilled relationship builder, strategic planner, and team energizer, and loves helping people and organizations be their best selves while contributing to a socially just world. Chris holds a M.Ed. from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst in Social Justice Education, and a BA from Colby College in American Studies. Chris is a Rhode Island native but calls Boston home, where Chris lives with their wife Vanessa.
