“My youth is transgender/non-binary/gender non-conforming….
is Body Basics & Beyond a safe space for them?”
Absolutely.
Body Basics & Beyond is an open space for all youth of any gender, where they can learn more about their bodies while feeling safe to explore who they are. It is a safe, brave space for exploration, discovery, vulnerability, and courage. Through this mission, we acknowledge that the curious and often complex journey that gender can be requires consistent support and trust. As an educational program that seeks to invest in youth’s relationship with their body, identities, and relationships, we look to honor and respect that journey so that youth can emerge from this program as a human who knows their value and their worth.
There is no such thing as one or even two types of bodies—how cool is that? Not every person experiences puberty in the same way.
Our program content is rooted in anatomy so that all youth can receive the tools necessary to take the best care of their bodies and minds. I have studied and follow Gender Spectrum’s new comprehensive guide, Five Principles for Gender-Inclusive Puberty and Health Education, that I encourage you to learn more about! The anatomy a person came into this world with has nothing to do with gender, so the use of gender-inclusive language is a priority at all times in each of my programs. Below are some examples of what that looks like in my practice.
“Most people with vulvas menstruate.”
“The amount of testosterone you have determines how much and where body hair shows up!”
“If you have these parts, then you may know the names of them!”
People who are pre-pubescent, post-menopausal, intersex, on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), struggling with hormone imbalances, or have other problems may not have a menstrual cycle.
Everyone has testosterone! Some just have more than others, and that along with your genetics can determine how visible and where body hair appears.
And youth may have these parts, and have no idea what the names are—and that’s okay too.