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.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Understanding gender identity through stories

According to learners, this course offers a compassionate and insightful introduction to gender identity and the experiences of transgender children. Many students found the story-based format particularly powerful and moving, highlighting the authenticity and vulnerability of the featured families. The course is praised for its clear explanations of key terms and concepts, making it accessible for a wide audience, including parents, educators, and healthcare providers. Learners appreciate the practical tips for creating gender-inclusive environments and the focus on health and well-being across the gender spectrum. While primarily foundational, it is considered a valuable and important learning experience.

No certificate is provided.

"Note that this course does not offer a certificate, which is clearly stated but worth remembering if that's a goal."

"While I didn't need a certificate, potential learners should be aware that it is not provided for this course."

"As mentioned in the description, no certificate is available."

"The lack of a certificate didn't detract from the value for me, but it's a factual point about the course format."

Suitable for diverse backgrounds.

"The course felt welcoming and accessible to someone like me with limited prior knowledge on the subject."

"It's suitable for everyone - parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, or anyone just wanting to learn and understand better."

"I appreciated that it wasn't overly academic or clinical, making it easy for general learners to engage."

"The content is presented in a way that makes it approachable for anyone interested in the topic."

Explains key terms and ideas clearly.

"The course does an excellent job of explaining core concepts like gender identity vs. sexual orientation in a simple, clear manner."

"I had a basic understanding before, but this course really clarified the terminology and spectrum for me."

"The modules on gender identity and the gender spectrum were easy to follow and provided a solid foundation."

"Provides a clear and concise overview of fundamental concepts related to gender."

Offers practical tips for inclusion.

"The section on creating inclusive environments offered concrete, actionable steps that I can implement in my own life and community."

"As an educator, I found the tips for making schools more inclusive incredibly helpful and practical."

"This course provided valuable insights into how to be a better ally and create a more welcoming space."

"Learned practical strategies to support transgender individuals in healthcare settings and beyond."

Stories offer deep, human perspective.

"The stories shared by the children and families were incredibly moving and provided such a vital human element to the learning."

"I found the narrative format incredibly powerful; hearing directly from the families made the concepts real and impactful."

"The use of personal stories was brilliant and helped me connect with the material on an emotional level."

"I appreciated how the course centered the voices and experiences of transgender individuals and their families through these authentic stories."

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:

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

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.

See salaries and explore the career path for Youth Counselor

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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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

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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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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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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