Hosts Bronwin Parks and Elinor Svoboda explore the complexity of gender roles and social expectations in adolescence, with a focus on the impact of patriarchy on gender-nonconforming behaviours. Clinical psychologist Dr. Kate Thomson helps them navigate identity during middle childhood, as they reflect on changing social constructs around friends who were boys, despite their identifying as “tomboys”.

Along with special guests including Elinor's son and classmates from grade school, the hosts emphasize the need for safe spaces where kids can express themselves without fear of judgment or shame. They also highlight the significance of proper vocabulary and supportive environments in helping kids honour each other's identities.

Bronwin and Elinor are left to wonder: Did anyone feel like they belonged? 

Resources:

Tegan & Sara Foundation (organization) - https://www.teganandsarafoundation.org/

It Gets Better by Dan Savage (book - youth) https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/309525/it-gets-better-by-dan-savage/9780452297616

Seeing Gender by Iris Gottlieb (book - adult) - https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/43885853-seeing-gender

Podcasts on Racism in Canada:

Canadaland: The Commons - https://www.canadaland.com/shows/commons/

CanadaLANDBACK - https://www.canadaland.com/shows/canadalandback/

Sandy and Nora talk politics - https://sandyandnora.com/

Polite Conversations - https://www.patreon.com/nicemangos

Leader Talks with Anne-Marie Pham (CCDI) - https://ccdi.ca/podcast/