Health Across the Gender Spectrum from Coursera

This course offers an intimate, story-based introduction to the experiences of six transgender children and their families. Through illustrated stories and short teaching videos, learners will gain a better understanding of gender identity and the gender spectrum. Stanford physicians, K-12 educators, and transgender faculty members offer practical tips for parents, teachers, healthcare providers and anyone who wants to help create a more gender-expansive environment - one in which all people can live authentically. As a global community of unique individuals, we can begin to build a world that is ready to nurture and love each and every child.

Due to the sensitive nature of the story-based course content, we have chosen not to offer course certificates for this course. Simply put, we feel that the thoughts, ideas and sentiments of these remarkable children and their families... are priceless. We are confident that, like us, you will end up learning more from them than you could ever imagine. Together, we can lay a stronger foundation for all children. Join us as we explore health, across the gender spectrum.

Additional note: When submitting answers to quizzes, you may be asked to enter your "full legal name". This feature is primarily for verification purposes for courses that offer a certificate on Coursera, so it does not really apply to this course. We recognize that, for some individuals the name they use does not match the one on their legal documents. Please feel free to enter the name you normally use in these boxes.

What's inside

Syllabus

What is Gender Identity?

In module one, we will begin to hear some of the real-life experiences of transgender children, their friends and families. We will gain a better understanding of terms like: gender identity, sex assigned at birth and sexual orientation as well as understanding how these characteristics differ from one another. By the end of this module, learners be more familiar with what it means to be transgender and what it means to have a non-binary gender identity.

What is the Gender Spectrum?

In this module, we will explore some of the gender affirming management options available to support the health of transgender children across their lifespan, including the potential benefits of delaying puberty in transgender adolescents. We will examine the medical classification of transgender and take a closer look at how the diagnosis has changed over time as well as the arguments for and against the need for a medical diagnosis.

How Do We Create a Gender-Inclusive Society?

In this module, we will explore some of the concrete steps that healthcare providers, teachers and parents can take to make their clinics, schools and homes more gender inclusive. We will discuss the importance of making basic facilities such as restrooms accessible to all children and we will explore the adverse consequences that can occur when children do not feel safe using public restrooms. We will also discuss the negative health outcomes associated with lack of familial and societal support for the transgender child.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces real-life experiences of transgender kids, potentially fostering empathy and understanding

Builds understanding of gender identity, gender spectrum, and non-binary identities

Empowers individuals to create gender-inclusive environments, promoting safety and well-being for transgender youth

Provides a foundation for further understanding and application of knowledge on the topic of gender and inclusivity

Taught by Stanford physicians, K-12 educators, and transgender faculty members, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise

Suitable for parents, educators, healthcare providers, and individuals seeking to support transgender children and their families

Reviews summary

A welcoming world for all: understanding lgbtq+ identities

Learners say that this course discusses the importance of understanding and supporting people across the gender spectrum. They say that the course content is largely positive, featuring various experts, including Stanford University professors, and focuses on respecting people's pronouns, names, and gender identities. The course emphasizes the experiences of transgender children and their families, and provides tips for creating inclusive learning environments in schools. Many learners particularly appreciated hearing the personal stories and insights shared throughout the course.

The course provides brief insights into the healthcare needs of transgender people.

"This course provides a holistic understanding of what it means to be transgender and shares a glimpse into the experiences and struggles of transgender children and their parents, as well as offers insights into how we can provide more inclusive healthcare and education for all students of all diversities."

The course provides resources and guidance for creating inclusive environments for transgender youth.

"It reaffirmed to me that our best tool to help us deal with these populations are acceptance, empathy, dignity and humanity. Works for me."

The course emphasizes the importance of respecting people's pronouns, names, and gender identities.

"Este curso fue un maravilloso viaje por el amplio espectro de género. Me siento más preparado para incluir y buscar ser incluido en mi comunidad y en la sociedad."

The course uses videos of transgender children and their families to illustrate the challenges and triumphs they face.

"What I loved the most about it was that it makes you engage in your own gender identity and that way you can identify which things in your life have shaped this characteristic, and therefore understand better how it might work differently for transgender people."

The course briefly addresses the social stigma and discrimination faced by transgender people.

"I know times are changing but my husband who is transgender is scared to go out in public because he is afraid of being beaten up."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Health Across the Gender Spectrum with these activities:

Engage in discussions with classmates and professionals in the field about gender and identity

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Engage with diverse perspectives and experiences to broaden your understanding of gender identity.

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Participate in online forums and discussion boards
Attend guest lectures or workshops led by experts
Organize or lead a discussion group on gender identity

Volunteer with a local organization or support group for transgender individuals

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Make a tangible difference in the lives of transgender individuals and gain firsthand experience in creating a more inclusive society.

Browse courses on Community Involvement

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Research and identify reputable organizations in your community
Contact the organizations to inquire about volunteer opportunities
Complete necessary training and background checks
Volunteer regularly and participate in activities that support transgender individuals

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Career center

Learners who complete Health Across the Gender Spectrum will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Marriage and Family Therapist

Marriage and Family Therapists help couples and families navigate relationship challenges, including those related to gender identity and expression. This course can help build a foundation in understanding gender identity and the gender spectrum, which is essential for Marriage and Family Therapists who work with transgender clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marriage and Family Therapist

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Managers create and implement programs and policies that promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. This course can help build a foundation in understanding gender identity and the gender spectrum, which is essential for Diversity and Inclusion Managers who work with transgender employees.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager

School Counselor

School Counselors help students with academic, personal, and social development. This course can help build a foundation in understanding gender identity and the gender spectrum, which is important for School Counselors who work with transgender students.

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Childcare Provider

Childcare Providers care for children in a variety of settings, including homes, daycare centers, and preschools. This course can help build a foundation in understanding gender identity and the gender spectrum, which is important for Childcare Providers who work with transgender children.

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Youth Counselor

Youth Counselors help young people navigate personal and social challenges, including those related to gender identity and expression. This course can help build a foundation in understanding gender identity and the gender spectrum, which is essential for Youth Counselors who work with transgender youth.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee all aspects of human resources, including hiring, firing, and employee benefits. This course can help build a foundation in understanding gender identity and the gender spectrum, which is important for Human Resources Managers who work with transgender employees.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate personal and social challenges, including those related to gender identity and expression. This course can help build a foundation in understanding gender identity and the gender spectrum, which is essential for Social Workers who work with transgender clients.

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Psychologist

Psychologists help people understand and cope with mental health challenges, including those related to gender identity and expression. This course can help build a foundation in understanding gender identity and the gender spectrum, which is essential for Psychologists who work with transgender clients.

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Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental health disorders, including those related to gender identity and expression. This course can help build a foundation in understanding gender identity and the gender spectrum, which is essential for Psychiatrists who work with transgender patients.

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Case Manager

Case Managers help people access and coordinate services, including those related to gender identity and expression. This course can help build a foundation in understanding gender identity and the gender spectrum, which is essential for Case Managers who work with transgender clients.

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Teacher

Teachers help students learn and grow, both academically and personally. This course can help build a foundation in understanding gender identity and the gender spectrum, which is important for Teachers who work with transgender students.

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Medical Assistant

Medical Assistants help patients prepare for examinations, take vital signs, draw blood, administer medications, and perform other clinical and administrative tasks. This course can help build a foundation in understanding gender identity and the gender spectrum, which could be useful for Medical Assistants who work with transgender patients.

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Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and their families, and advocate for patients' rights. This course can help build a foundation in understanding gender identity and the gender spectrum, which is important for Registered Nurses who work with transgender patients.

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Certified Nursing Assistant

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide basic care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. This course can help build a foundation in understanding gender identity and the gender spectrum, which is important for CNAs who work with transgender patients.

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Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide basic nursing care to patients under the supervision of a registered nurse or physician. This course can help build a foundation in understanding gender identity and the gender spectrum, which is important for LPNs who work with transgender patients.

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