Dads Also Pass on Mitochondrial DNA, Contrary to Long-Standing Belief

This article from Smithsonian Magazine describes new evidence that some people receive their mitochondrial DNA from the sperm cell rather than the egg cell that made them. This contradicts a longstanding generalization that only egg cells contribute mitochondrial DNA.

This article uses the words mother/maternal and father/paternal to refer to two contributors of genetic material in humans. Consider speaking with your students about other terms that may be more inclusive of all people and their families, such as sperm-derived and egg-derived DNA.

The Intersex Roadshow (Blog)

In this blog, intersex sociologist Dr. Cary Gabriel Costello writes about current intersex issues in historical context.

Intersex people are supposed to lie low and keep quiet. Not me.

I'm not defective, I'm not disordered, I'm not ashamed. I just don't fit in your M/F boxes.

I'm intersex by birth and honest by choice.

Response to Common Criticisms to Gender Inclusive Teaching

Making gender-inclusive changes to our curriculum sometimes elicits the attention and concern of the school community. This resource, containing suggested responses to common criticisms and concerns, was a part of our The Science Teacher article “Gender-Inclusive Biology: A framework in action”

Gender Spectrum have also put together a collection of responses to common concerns about teaching about gender in non-science-specific context.

Archaeology's Sexual Revolution

Read this article, which details the reckoning archaeology has had to do when addressing the complex, non-binary nature of biological sex characteristics. Includes several case studies of ambiguous archaeological remains which have pushed scientists to reconsider preconceived notions of both gender and sex in prehistoric times.

Podcast on Parenting Language from The Allusionist

Trans parents discuss inclusive language around pregnancy, birth, and parenting with host Helen Zaltzman on The Allusionist, a podcast about language.

Available on all podcast platforms, with transcript and extensive show notes.

Gender-Inclusive Biology: A Framework In Action

Sam, River, and Lewis published this article in the September/October 2021 issue of The Science Teacher, a journal of the National Science Teaching Association. It focuses on the tenets of the Gender-Inclusive Biology Framework and how to implement it successfully in the high school biology classroom.

Educators' Call to Action for Intersex Awareness Day

This letter, coordinated by a range of organizations and individuals including the Society of Gender Professionals, InterACT, and the Intersex Justice Project, details the need for greater visibility of intersex experiences in the science curriculum. Read and share widely!

Ten simple rules for supporting historically underrepresented students in science

Post-secondary science educators, including college and university instructors and informal educators, will find actionable strategies for supporting historically underrepresented students in this PLOS Computational Biology article by Arif S, Massey MDB, Klinard N, Charbonneau J, Jabre L, Martins AB, et al. (2021)

Sex Redefined: The Idea of 2 Sexes Is Overly Simplistic

In this Scientific American article, Claire Ainsworth, discusses evidence for the spectrum model of biological sex using introductory language.

1,000-Year-Old Remains May Be Of A Highly Respected Nonbinary Warrior, Study Finds

Analysis of ancient DNA found in Finland has unveiled a surprise a century later – the remains of an early medieval warrior thought to be female may have been nonbinary. Xcaret Nuñez reports for NPR.

The data indicate that the person had a feminine presentation, likely XXY chromosomes, and a penis. The way they were buried led to the conclusion that the remains were of "a respected person whose gender identity may well have been non-binary."

To use this article with students, pre-teach the difference between gender and sex because this is not well-defined in the article.

NABT, NSTA, and NGSS Equity Statements

Gender-inclusive biology teaching is aligned with the position statements of major science education authorities. The relevant excerpts are stated below and the full texts can be accessed by clicking the image.

STEM Teaching Tool: How do we present gender, sex, and sexuality as part of inclusive and accurate science teaching?

The Gender-Inclusive Biology team collaborated with Gender Inclusive Classrooms and the UW STEM Teaching Tools team to create this concise, action-oriented brief on best practices.

Fourteen Recommendations to Create a More Inclusive Environment for LGBTQ+ Individuals in Academic Biology

This article in Life Sciences Education provides guidance for making biology inclusive in higher education and academia. The authors provide detailed recommendations for creating an inclusive collegial environment as well as adaptations to biology content and language.

The biology classroom is well-suited for discussions of gender and sexuality. As biologists, we have opportunities in our classrooms to dispel myths regarding the biology of attraction, biology of gender, sexuality, reproduction, hormones, and genetics. Instead of avoiding these topics, we recommend that instructors intentionally include them in class.

Are There “Transgender” Proclivities in Animals?

In JSTOR Daily, Juliet Lamb discusses non-human species that gain advantages by project an opposite-sex appearance which has parallels to transgender humans.

Queer Friendly Science: How to Teach Genetics While Affirming Student Identity

In this blog post, Ariel Heyman shares a five-step strategy to teach genetics while protecting and affirming student identity.

Signaling Inclusivity in Genetics Topics - Article by Karen G. Hales

College professor Karen G. Hales wrote this article suggesting options for gender-inclusive adaptation of language within genetics courses at the college undergraduate level. Topics include biological sex, parenthood, genetic traits, and pedigree charts. This article is open access through Life Sciences Education Journal, Vol. 19, No. 2.

Hales KG. Signaling Inclusivity in Undergraduate Biology Courses through Deliberate Framing of Genetics Topics Relevant to Gender Identity, Disability, and Race. CBE Life Sci Educ. 2020 Jun;19(2):es2. doi: 10.1187/cbe.19-08-0156. PMID: 32357097.

Discovering Diversity in Science Education - Webinar from Shifting Schools

Sam gave this one-hour webinar for an audience of science educators - not strictly limited to biology content, but with much overlap with our Gender-Inclusive Biology Framework. The webinar also spends time on on science identity, science language, equity in chemistry, and meaningful teaching about diverse scientists.

Shifting Schools is a wonderful organization with a weekly series of free webinars for educators with an equity lens - check out their webinars, podcasts, and other events!

Growing a Gender-Inclusive Biology Curriculum - in Teach Magazine

Sam wrote this introductory article in TEACH Magazine’s 2019 Special Issue: “Out of the Closet and Into the Classroom”. The magazine is based in Canada and all articles are available in English and French.

Gender-Inclusive Pedigree Charts

Pedigree charts are one of the most requested topics that we get from visitors to our website. We have built a guidance document below that will be continually updated. You can also view it on Google Docs.

Image https://www.theknowledgeroundtable.com/tutorials/decoding-pedigrees-made-easy/ What is a pedigree chart? A pedigree chart is a diagram that shows the occurrence of phenotypes through several generations of genetically related individuals. Because a pedigree chart is often confused with a family tree, and uses symbols to differentiate males and females, it is important for educators to give clear and inclusive messaging to their students about these charts.

Teaching about Gender Diversity (Book)

Written by teacher for teachers, Teaching about Gender Diversity is an edited collection of interdisciplinary lesson plans that provides K–12 teachers with the tools to implement gender-inclusive practices into their curriculum and talk to their students about gender and sex. Edited by Susan W. Woolley and Lee Airton, this engaging collection features teachers' perspectives on teaching about gender from across North America. Divided into three sections dedicated to the elementary, middle, and secondary grade levels, this practical resource provides lessons for a variety of subject areas, including English language arts, STEM, and health and physical education. To view more titles in Education, visit canadianscholars.ca.