Doing the tap dance of biological sex vs gender / myLot

@NJChicaa (120055)

United States

December 7, 2022 11:48am CST

I’ve been teaching science for 22 years. This is the first year that I’ve really felt like I was doing a tap dance when talking about sex. In forensics today I was talking about sex chromosomes and how all embryos are pre-programmed to develop into females. I said “if you have 2 X chromosomes you develop into a female but if you have a Y chromosome you are a male”. Then, for the first time in my career I felt the need to clarify and say “I am talking strictly about biological sex not gender”. I have 2 transgender students this year that I know of and at least 1 who appears to be curious. I don’t want to upset them or get their parents all riled up because I’m talking about being male or female. The last thing I want to deal with is it becoming some big issue. I truly don’t care what gender students identify with. That’s not my area of expertise.

9 people like this

8 responses

Fleur

@Fleura (30539)

• United Kingdom

7 Dec 22

What used to be a basic fact is no longer considered so. You shouldn't have to feel that you might cause offence simply by stating a fact.

3 people like this

Brandford wambua

@Brandford (49)

• Nairobi, Kenya

7 Dec 22

Much respect to you,22 years of experience is not a horse to ride... congrats.

3 people like this

OceanTiara

@RebeccasFarm (90294)

• Arvada, Colorado

7 Dec 22

I am sorry you are put in that position of tap dancing. You are teaching what the curriculum is only.

2 people like this

Namelesss

@Namelesss (3365)

• United States

7 Dec 22

It's a crazy world we live in but I have no doubt you'll get through it although it's sad you even have to worry about it. I really hope this doesn't become a problem for you.

1 person likes this

Kharla Jolly

@kobesbuddy (78871)

• East Tawas, Michigan

7 Dec 22

If you were speaking as a psychologist, those tables would be totally turned over. As a school teacher, your basic lessons don't change, they remain exactly the same from year to year. X and Y chromosomes, that is exactly what you are teaching about. Nothing more, nothing less to keep peace with every student and their family.

2 people like this