Gender identity is an essential aspect of human development that influences how individuals perceive themselves and interact with others in their social environment. It involves personal identification with either masculine or feminine traits, which can be influenced by various factors such as biological sex, culture, upbringing, and experiences. Misgendering refers to the act of referring to someone using the wrong gender pronoun, often resulting from ignorance or lack of awareness of the person's preferred pronouns. Repeated misgendering can have significant effects on learning outcomes, impacting academic performance, mental health, self-esteem, and overall wellbeing. The purpose of this article is to examine these effects and explore strategies for creating more inclusive learning environments.
Effects of repeated misgendering on learning outcomes
Misgendering has been linked to reduced cognitive functioning, including difficulty focusing, processing information, and retaining knowledge. This effect may result from increased stress and anxiety, stemming from feelings of discomfort, isolation, and exclusion caused by being repeatedly referred to as the "wrong" gender. Individuals who are misgendered regularly may also experience decreased motivation to engage with educational material, leading to lower levels of participation and achievement.
Repeated misgendering can lead to a negative perception of the classroom or school community, making it harder for students to form relationships with peers and feel connected to the institution. These factors can contribute to higher rates of absenteeism, dropout, and other adverse outcomes.
Impact on mental health
Repeated misgendering can have severe consequences for mental health, increasing vulnerability to depression, anxiety, and suicidality among transgender and nonbinary individuals. Studies suggest that experiencing discrimination in general can negatively impact emotional regulation, which may be especially true when it occurs in an educational setting where students must navigate complex social dynamics and expectations. Misgendering can also lead to social withdrawal, decreasing opportunities for support and connection with others, further contributing to psychological distress.
Strategies for promoting inclusion
To create more inclusive learning environments and reduce the harmful effects of misgendering, educators should prioritize education and awareness-building around gender identity and pronoun usage. Teachers should ask each student about their preferred pronouns at the start of the academic year and throughout the semester, ensuring they use correct language consistently. They should also encourage open dialogue about gender identity and normalize questions related to these topics to foster understanding and empathy. School policies should mandate respect for all genders, including explicit guidelines for addressing instances of misgendering and responding to reports of harassment and bullying.
Institutions can provide resources such as counselors or affinity groups to support LGBTQ+ students who may face additional challenges due to their identities.
Repeated misgendering has significant negative impacts on learning outcomes, mental health, and overall wellbeing for transgender and nonbinary individuals. To promote a more inclusive and equitable environment, teachers, administrators, and policymakers should take proactive steps to understand and accommodate diverse gender identities, creating space for everyone to thrive academically and socially.
How does repeated misgendering affect learning outcomes?
Repeated misgendering can have significant impacts on an individual's learning outcomes, as it creates an environment where they feel unseen, unheard, and invalidated. This can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and anxiety, which can interfere with their ability to focus and absorb information effectively.