Gender and Sexuality Diversity at Norwood

Norwood has long understood inclusive and equitable diversity as central to our mission as a school. Recognizing the importance of gender and sexuality as core facets of identity, along with the wider changing cultural landscape, we have been engaged over the past several years in learning, discussing, and exploring what it means to be inclusive of gender and sexuality diversity at Norwood.

Dr. Jennifer Bryan, national expert, author and leader in the field, coined the term “Gender and Sexuality Diversity (GSD)” and described it as “… a broad construct that describes the continuums of biological sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, sexual behavior, and sexual identity.” As a concept, GSD helps us understand gender and sexual identities within a broader inherently diverse context that more accurately recognizes a broad range of experiences and identities as part of normal human development. Utilizing research from Dr. Bryan and other leading experts and organizations, Norwood has been dedicated to realizing a vision that is responsive and affirming to all members of our community along every part of the gender and sexuality spectrum.

Below are highlights of our work in this area over the past several years:

Programs and Initiatives

List of 5 frequently asked questions.

Diversity Leadership Council (DLC) – 2016-2017

The DLC engaged in a year-long study of best practices, research, resources and development opportunities surrounding gender and sexuality diversity on behalf of the school community and provided recommendations and resources to the school administration for further work.
Gender Identity Task Force – 2017-2018

Comprised of faculty, staff and trustee members, the Gender Identity Task Force identified four areas of focus to engage with and provide recommendations around: curriculum and instruction; facilities, athletics, and overnights; parent education/communication; records, privacy, and pronouns. The School is engaged in ongoing efforts reflecting recommendations from the task force.
Visit from Schuyler Bailar – Fall 2018

Schuyler Bailar, the first openly transgender NCAA athlete to compete in division 1 athletics, came to Norwood to share his powerful story of growth, self-determination, and authenticity with parents, faculty, and students in grades 4-8. His story has been a catalyst for continued learning and exploration of issues relevant to gender-inclusive practice.
PRISM Alliance Groups

PRISM was created in the fall of 2020 as an alliance space for seventh and eighth graders who want to gather in solidarity and support of inclusion and equity for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Later that year, members of the faculty and staff created a faculty/staff version of PRISM for all faculty/staff members who were looking to gather for the same purpose.
Faculty/Staff LGBTQ+ Affinity Group

In the fall of 2021, a new group was created by members of the faculty and staff who identify as LGBTQ+. This group is dedicated to bringing members of the faculty and staff who identify as LGBTQ+ together in the spirit of fellowship to discuss issues relevant to the experiences of people who identify as such.

Why Address Gender & Sexuality?

Gender and sexuality are central components of healthy identity development for all children and adolescents.
Students bring their individual/collective experiences and questions about gender and sexuality to school every day.
Teachers need concepts and language for engaging with these essential aspects of human identity.
Gender and sexuality stereotypes disrupt classrooms, recess, friendships, and critical thinking.

"To create a safe learning environment for all members of your community, you must address Gender and Sexuality Diversity."

– DR. JENNIFER BRYAN, TEAM FINCH CONSULTING

Critical Resources

Located in Bethesda, MD, Norwood School develops students in grades PK-8 into confident lifelong learners who have the academic, character, and leadership skills to succeed in high school and beyond. Recognizing that children are multi-faceted, Norwood provides many opportunities for safe risk-taking, exploration, discovery, and growth in a nurturing, supportive, and inclusive school community.