Mexico Pushes for Trans and Non-Binary Student Inclusion

Mexico — The Secretary of Public Education (SEP) has produced a document titled "Trans and Non-Binary Childhoods and Adolescences," which calls on the teaching profession to recognize the varied gender identities that exist, as well as the trans and non-binary children and adolescents present in the nation's basic education schools.

This Friday, public basic education schools are holding the School Technical Council (CTE), and this topic will be addressed in public schools.

The document states, "It is necessary to recognize, value, and appreciate the richness and diversity that make up communities, in order to make visible the multiplicity of identities that coexist, as these elements converge in schools and become challenges that must be addressed from the educational sphere. This requires critical thinking, sensitivity towards the different ways of inhabiting the body, and a pedagogy that promotes self-knowledge, the possibility of expressing oneself freely, the recognition and respect of sex-gender differences, healthy and peaceful coexistence, and decision-making, among other things."

It explains that the recognition of trans and non-binary children and adolescents in schools across the country "is an invitation to face new challenges from a humanist approach that emphasizes the appreciation for diversity, which contributes to the full enjoyment of the rights of all people."

The material presents a series of proposals to teachers "to foster awareness, the exchange of experiences, and collective learning," mentioning some of the challenges they face in school when addressing situations related to trans and non-binary children and adolescents.

"For example, reflect on what you would do as a teaching staff if a female student wishes to enter school wearing a boy's uniform (sweater and pants) and asks to be called by a male name and pronouns or if, conversely, a boy enters wearing a skirt and asks to be called by a female name and pronouns," it outlines.

Furthermore, it suggests they use bulletins issued by local educational authorities or other institutions, such as the National Council to Prevent Discrimination, regarding the use of neutral uniforms.

It asks them to watch the video "Trans and Non-Binary Childhoods and Adolescences," to reflect on actions that can be developed in schools to favor the inclusion of this population, and to listen to the anonymous testimony "Trans Childhoods," which was broadcast on the program "Diálogos en Confianza" on Canal Once.

"Afterwards, exchange opinions about the elements that influence the construction of identity and analyze the way in which social and cultural factors condition its expression, mainly regarding sexual and gender diversity," adds the document.

It proposes to "promote dialogue among the teaching staff based on exploratory questions, for example: What do we understand by gender identity? What do we know regarding the diversity of gender expression? What sexual orientations are we aware of? What do we know about the difference between sex assigned at birth and gender identity?, among others."

"Establish agreements about the aspects that could be included in your analytical program or your continuous improvement program to address sexual and gender diversity in the classroom, the school, and the community," is indicated in the text.

It highlights that in 2019, the National Council to Prevent Discrimination disseminated a statement indicating that the use of neutral uniforms in basic education schools in Mexico City "allows for progress towards inclusion and to eradicate discrimination based on gender stereotypes."

An infographic in the document emphasizes that "when we speak of trans childhoods and adolescences, we are referring to girls, boys, children, and adolescents whose gender identity, that is, the internal and personal experience of being a girl, boy, woman, man, or another identity, does not correspond with the sex assigned at birth. For its part, the term non-binary refers to those who do not identify completely as a man or a woman."

It stresses that "the New Mexican School places each person and their dignity at the center of the educational process. From this principle, attention to trans and non-binary children and adolescents starts from the recognition that all bodies, all expressions, and all ways of feeling and desiring have the right to exist and manifest themselves. Guaranteeing this right also means working in community so that our schools are safe, inclusive spaces free from any form of violence or discrimination."

It recommends that school administrators implement protocols for the prevention and attention of school bullying, complemented by restorative practices that prioritize respect and empathy; provide immediate attention to reports of school violence, including those motivated by transphobia or sex-gender discrimination; and ensure that bathrooms and locker rooms are used according to the gender identity of the student body; when possible, enable neutral options.

It specifies that teacher training and community participation allow the school to be a safe space for people of all gender identities. It also recommends carrying out classroom, school, and community projects that promote the appreciation of diversity, empathy, a culture of peace, and critical thinking.