Camp Wild Heart

01. GENDER 101: Beliefs About Bodies with Rachel Simon


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The way we talk to kids about bodies and gender is so important.


When I was a kid, we didn’t really talk about gender in any particular way, but it was everywhere and it was clear what the roles were. We didn’t really talk about bodies either - other than what was wrong with them.


I wanted to do things differently with my kids. I wanted them to have an inclusive upbringing and understanding that their bodies were theirs and that they were wonderful, powerful, and the wisest part of them.


I wanted them to know that their gender and their biological sex were different and that there were all these invisible pressures and rules for them but that they didn’t need to follow any of them.


In early learning, whenever we want to teach kids social lessons, we turn to literature, and there was a shocking LACK of children’s literature that was inclusive and body positive. I stumbled my way through trying to explain gender and bodies to my kids because I didn’t really have a good resource to turn to when they were very young.


This is why I’m so excited to talk to Rachel Simon.


Rachel is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist who offers therapy, gender and sexuality education, and consulting to youth, parents, families, educational faculty, professional organizations, and health professionals.


She received both Masters degrees from Widener University and received her BA in Psychology and LGBT Studies from the University of Maryland. Rachel has provided training and consultation on gender, sex, and LGBTQ issues for groups in the US and abroad. She currently runs her private psychotherapy practice in Philadelphia, specializing in queer and transgender youth and young adults. Rachel is the author of the sexuality education book for children, The Every Body Book: The LGBTQ+ Inclusive Guide for Kids About Sex, Gender, Bodies, and Families.


Check out the full episode to hear about:


  • Simple ways to answer kids’ questions about gender and transitioning
  • How to introduce gender expansiveness from an early age through play and language
  • Teaching kids empathy while recognizing and acknowledging differences
  • Advice on boundaries, advocacy and not getting trapped by anxiety for parents and families supporting gender-expansive kids


Find out more about Rachel Simon:


  • Rachel Simon Therapy
  • The Every Body Book: The LGBTQ+ Inclusive Guide for Kids about Sex, Gender, Bodies, and Families, Rachel E. Simon and Noah Grigni


Find out more about Mackenzie Dunham:


  • wildheartsociety.org
  • Wild Heart Society on Facebook
  • Wild Heart Society on Instagram


Resources:


  • Talking to Young Children
  • How to Talk to Kids about Gender Identity
  • Children Books About Gender Identity


...more
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Camp Wild HeartBy Mackenzie Dunham

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