Understanding Gender Concepts

This is part 1 of a 3 part series on understanding gender in society. Seating is limited so registration is required. Email Courtney at ckleftis@yarmouthlibrary.org to register.

We are currently living through a period of rapid change and controversy surrounding gender and sexuality in our society. If you want to further your own understanding of what can be a very sensitive subject for some, we are offering this three part workshop on gender and sexuality in society. This series aims to clarify our understanding of gender and sexual identities by discussing terminology, the different perceptions and origins of various identities, and explore sources and impacts of controversy and discrimination against gender non-conforming people, especially within the younger population. Lastly, this series will show us how to improve our role as an ally of those within the LGBTQ+ community. Each session will include multiple opportunities for discussion, some exercises, but not to worry – there won’t be quizzes or homework.

This learning opportunity will be broken out into three sessions:

Wednesday, May 1st @ 6pm
Session 1: An Introduction to Concepts. This will include a fairly detailed look at the underlying social theories of gender, sex, and sexuality, and how these manifest themselves in US society.

Wednesday, May 15th @ 6pm
Session 2: An Inquiry into the LGBTQ+ Community/Experience. Including terms, identities, impacts of discrimination, and current issues.

Wednesday, May 29 @ 6pm
Session 3: How to Be an Effective Ally. A discussion on allyship approaches, interactions, and awareness, and issues facing allies today. During this final session there will be time for closing questions and discussion.

Our presenter for this series is Christine Caulfield (she/they), a retired public high school teacher of 22 years. In 2018, she was nominated for Maine Teacher of the Year. During her career she taught many different levels and courses, including American Studies, World History, AP European History, Comparative Government, and Power and Privilege (A social studies elective which unpacked the sources, issues, and politics of race, gender, sexuality, ageism, ableism, and wealth disparity, with a focus on their intersectionality.). As an active member of the Maine Transgender Network since 2012, she has worked as a general volunteer, support group facilitator, board treasurer, and co-chair of the 35+ Caucus, representing and advocating for transgender people over 35 in the transgender community. In 2022, she gave the key testimony in the Maine legislature in support of changing the states name-change law, protecting not only transgender people from public scrutiny and discrimination, but also victims of stalking and domestic violence. She was also on the policy-writing committee for Mainetransnet crafting recommended legislation protecting LGBTQ+ people from discrimination in public records and health care. She has delivered trainings in many different venues on transgender identities and issues, including businesses, health care providers, conferences, and public libraries.

To register, or for more information about this program, contact Courtney at ckleftis@yarmouthlibrary.org.