Fierce, Fabulous, and Fluid highlights the work trans youth do to create inclusive spaces in schools, but argues that educational policies aimed at supporting them have inadvertently perpetuated a narrow definition of trans identity. Through ethnographic research, the book shows how gender-nonconforming youth persevere and strive to thrive within the education system, building more inclusive spaces that embrace all trans identities. It urges educators to shift away from a focus on risk and concern and foster a celebration of trans and gender-nonconforming youth, paving the way for a brighter and queerer future within educational settings.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 11 June 2024
Publisher: New York University Press

Fierce, Fabulous, and Fluid: Creating Inclusive Spaces in Schools for Trans and Gender-Nonconforming Youth
Trans and gender-nonconforming youth face unique challenges in schools, and caring adults have worked to create inclusive environments to address their needs. However, Fierce, Fabulous, and Fluid argues that these approaches have inadvertently perpetuated a narrow definition of trans identity, leaving many trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming youth feeling excluded and unseen. Based on a year-long ethnographic study conducted in a high school, LJ Slovin closely observes the experiences of gender-nonconforming youth who were often overlooked in the discussions about trans issues. Despite the lack of recognition, these hard-working young individuals persevered, navigating their identities and striving to thrive within the education system. Through their daily efforts, these young people tried to expand notions of gender in their school environment, building more inclusive spaces that embraced all trans identities. By sharing their stories, Slovin emphasizes the need for educators to shift away from a focus on risk and concern to instead foster a celebration of trans and gender-nonconforming youth. The book urges educators to cultivate a genuine desire to understand and support trans youth, paving the way for a brighter and queerer future within educational settings.

Fierce, Fabulous, and Fluid: Creating Inclusive Spaces in Schools for Trans and Gender-Nonconforming Youth

Trans and gender-nonconforming youth face unique challenges in schools, and caring adults have worked to create inclusive environments to address their needs. However, Fierce, Fabulous, and Fluid argues that these approaches have inadvertently perpetuated a narrow definition of trans identity, leaving many trans, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming youth feeling excluded and unseen. Based on a year-long ethnographic study conducted in a high school, LJ Slovin closely observes the experiences of gender-nonconforming youth who were often overlooked in the discussions about trans issues. Despite the lack of recognition, these hard-working young individuals persevered, navigating their identities and striving to thrive within the education system. Through their daily efforts, these young people tried to expand notions of gender in their school environment, building more inclusive spaces that embraced all trans identities. By sharing their stories, Slovin emphasizes the need for educators to shift away from a focus on risk and concern to instead foster a celebration of trans and gender-nonconforming youth. The book urges educators to cultivate a genuine desire to understand and support trans youth, paving the way for a brighter and queerer future within educational settings.

Weight: 417g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781479819607