Health Across the Gender Spectrum from edX

Overview

Internet Enduring Material Sponsored by the Stanford University School of Medicine. Presented by the Department of Pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine.

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.

Intended Audience

This course is designed for all specialties and anyone who cares about children and wants to make the world better for them. There are no prerequisites for this course.

Accreditation

In support of improving patient care, Stanford Medicine is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Credit Designation

American Medical Association (AMA)

The Stanford University School of Medicine designates this enduring material for a maximum of 2.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

If you would like to earn CME credit from Stanford University School of Medicine for participating in this course, please review the information here prior to beginning the activity.

Additional Instructors

Tandy Aye, MDAlice Lyman Miller, PhDBen Barres, MD, PhD

What's inside

Learning objectives

Develop empathy for and greater understanding of the experience of transgender individuals.
Proactively identify and communicate with non-conforming, transgender and lgbt patients and their families in order to provide optimal care.

Integrate supportive care in managing the health needs of transgender individuals, including the needs of transgender children.

Develop empathy for and greater understanding of the experience of transgender individuals.
Proactively identify and communicate with non-conforming, transgender and lgbt patients and their families in order to provide optimal care.
Integrate supportive care in managing the health needs of transgender individuals, including the needs of transgender children.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Encourages empathy and understanding of the experiences of transgender individuals, increasing cultural competency in healthcare

Provides practical guidance for parents, teachers, and healthcare providers on supporting transgender youth, making it highly applicable to a range of professions

Features a diverse team of instructors, including physicians, educators, and transgender faculty, bringing a range of perspectives and expertise to the subject matter

Supported by the Stanford University School of Medicine, ensuring credibility and relevance within the healthcare field

Offers CME credit for healthcare professionals, making it particularly valuable for those seeking continuing education

Reviews summary

Well-received gender studies course

Learners say this online course about gender studies is comprehensive and engaging. The course offers insightful perspectives and personal stories that shift perspectives on gender identity and spectrum. Previous knowledge is not required, making it suitable for beginners. Additionally, the course highlights cultural differences in approaching the topic, providing a broader understanding for learners.

Course explores cultural variations in gender studies.

"Interesting also from a cultural point of view."

"I know a lot of people here who even deny that transgender children exist and this short course made me realize even better that we must act now and change the way this topic is faced in schools."

Course is accessible for those without prior knowledge.

"Great for anybody who wants to start learning about the topic."

Course takes a comprehensive approach to gender studies.

"The approach is very broad with relevant and clarifying content on the differences in gender identity and spectrum."

Course content is thought-provoking and engaging.

"Was very informative in an engaging and thought provoking way."

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:

Learn the basics of gender identity and the gender spectrum

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Establish a basic understanding of the concepts central to this course before it begins.

Browse courses on Gender Identity

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Read the article "Understanding Gender Identity and the Gender Spectrum" from The Human Rights Campaign.
Watch the video "What is Gender Identity?" from The Trevor Project.

Compile a list of resources for transgender youth and their families

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Gather valuable resources to support the needs of transgender youth and their families.

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Research and identify organizations, websites, and other resources that provide support for transgender youth and their families.
Contact organizations and request information about their services and programs.
Create a comprehensive list of resources, including contact information, website links, and a brief description of each resource.

Share your knowledge and experiences with others

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Reinforce your understanding by guiding and supporting others in their learning journey.

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Volunteer as a mentor for a transgender youth organization.
Answer questions and provide support in online forums or discussion groups.
Organize or lead workshops on topics related to transgender awareness and support.

Five other activities

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Discuss your experiences and insights with other learners

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Engage with peers to share perspectives and learn from diverse experiences.

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Join the course discussion forum and introduce yourself.
Participate in weekly discussion threads on topics related to the course material.
Organize or join a study group with other learners.

Attend workshops or conferences on transgender health and well-being

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Gain exposure to the latest research and best practices in transgender health and well-being.

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Research upcoming workshops or conferences on transgender health and well-being.
Attend at least one workshop or conference and take notes on key presentations.
Network with other professionals and attendees to learn about their experiences and resources.

Read and review "Beyond the Gender Binary" by Alok Vaid-Menon

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Gain insights into the experiences and perspectives of non-binary and genderqueer individuals.

View Beyond the Gender Binary on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow a copy of "Beyond the Gender Binary".
Read the book and take notes on key concepts and ideas.
Write a book review that summarizes and critiques the author's arguments.

Develop a support plan for a transgender child or youth

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Apply your knowledge to create a personalized plan that addresses the unique needs of a transgender child or youth.

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Interview a transgender child or youth and their family (with their consent).
Research best practices for supporting transgender children and youth.
Create a written support plan that includes recommendations for medical care, mental health support, and social support.

Contribute to open-source projects related to transgender health or support

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Make a direct impact on the transgender community by contributing to open-source projects.

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Identify open-source projects related to transgender health or support.
Review the project documentation and identify areas where you can contribute.
Submit a pull request with your contributions.

Career center

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

LGBTQ+ Activist

LGBTQ+ Activists work to promote the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. They work in a variety of settings, including non-profit organizations, government agencies, and advocacy groups. This course may be useful for LGBTQ+ Activists who want to learn more about the experiences of transgender individuals and how to advocate for their rights.

See salaries and explore the career path for LGBTQ+ Activist

LGBTQ+ Educator

LGBTQ+ Educators teach about the history, culture, and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, universities, and community centers. This course may be useful for LGBTQ+ Educators who want to learn more about the experiences of transgender individuals and how to create a more inclusive learning environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for LGBTQ+ Educator

Psychologist

Psychologists provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for mental health conditions. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practice. This course may be useful for Psychologists who want to improve their understanding of the needs of transgender individuals and provide more supportive care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practice. This course may be useful for Psychiatrists who want to improve their understanding of the needs of transgender individuals and provide more supportive care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychiatrist

Teacher

Teachers provide instruction to students in a variety of subjects. They work in a variety of settings, including public schools, private schools, and charter schools. This course may be useful for Teachers who want to improve their understanding of the needs of transgender students and create a more supportive learning environment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and assistance to individuals and families who are facing challenges. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, and mental health clinics. This course may be useful for Social Workers who want to improve their understanding of the needs of transgender individuals and provide more supportive care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Counselor

Counselors provide support and guidance to individuals and families who are facing challenges. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, mental health clinics, and private practice. This course may be useful for Counselors who want to improve their understanding of the needs of transgender individuals and provide more supportive care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor

School Counselor

School Counselors provide support and guidance to students in a variety of settings, including elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. This course may be useful for School Counselors who want to improve their understanding of the needs of transgender students and create a more supportive learning environment.

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Child Life Specialist

Child Life Specialists provide support and guidance to children and families who are facing challenges. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and schools. This course may be useful for Child Life Specialists who want to improve their understanding of the needs of transgender children and provide more supportive care.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of healthcare organizations. They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. This course may be useful for Healthcare Administrators who want to create a more supportive environment for transgender individuals.

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Physician Assistant

Physician Assistants are medical professionals who work under the supervision of a physician. They perform a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories, performing physical exams, diagnosing and treating illnesses, and prescribing medications. This course may be useful for Physician Assistants who want to improve their understanding of the needs of transgender patients and provide more supportive care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant

Administrator

Administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of organizations. They work in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, and businesses. This course may be useful for Administrators who want to create a more supportive environment for transgender individuals.

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Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They perform a variety of tasks, including assessing patients' needs, developing and implementing care plans, administering medications, and providing emotional support. This course may be useful for Registered Nurses who want to improve their understanding of the needs of transgender patients and provide more supportive care.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources department of organizations. They are responsible for a variety of tasks, including recruiting, hiring, and training employees. This course may be useful for Human Resources Managers who want to create a more inclusive workplace for transgender individuals.

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Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Managers are responsible for developing and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives within organizations. This course may be useful for Diversity and Inclusion Managers who want to create a more inclusive environment for transgender individuals.

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