A Beginner's Guide to Trans 101

2024 Update:

When I created the first iteration of this course it was to provide a basic introduction to people-facing employees of a large U.S. insurance company in hopes of lessening the systemic discrimination (micro- and macro- aggressions) transgender folx face when doing even the simplest of tasks - like updating an address with customer service - with insurance companies.

The second iteration was intended for a more general audience, for professional or personal continuing education. The inquires I received in my private practice at the time indicated a need for 101 level trainings that were easily digestible, self-paced, and quickly completed. I made this course available for free on Udemy because I strongly believe that information and education - especially those that decrease stigma and increase connection - should be accessible to everyone regardless of industry, education level, or the reason for their pursuit of knowledge. At that time, there was a dearth of educational information that was basic, non-shaming and easily accessible.

When folx contacted me for in person trainings for their organizations I wanted to be able to provide this basic foundation first and then come to their teams in person, if desired, to have a comprehensive conversation about what their organization's needs were around understanding, respecting and serving transgender people - whether as employees, clients, community members. Having the foundational knowledge, and thus a shared language, provided in this course allows our in person meeting to focus on exactly what the organization/class/school/counseling office/doctor's office, etc. needs to do now to decrease barriers and increase connection. While allowing any individuals within the teams who might have discomfort, resistance and/or active aggression or bigotry around this subject to identify those personal therapeutic needs before derailing the important action-oriented conversation their organization was hiring me to have.

Though I hope to be able to update the course at some point again as I used to, I am also aware that since my mini-course's inception almost a decade ago there have been monumental shifts in the availability of relevant, accessible and competent education in this area. Many of those places/spaces are dedicated to keeping their education materials up to date and accessible/free in a way that isn't feasible for a one-person psychotherapeutic practice whose day-to-day focus is on direct client care, decreasing suffering and increasing access for transgender people in this increasingly hostile political climate in the U.S. I encourage you to check these out! 

If you are looking at this course as a complete beginner, it will probably still be helpful for you to learn basics. But please keep in mind, as said in the lecture, that completing this course is a step in a journey. It is not a destination and it the information contained is ever-changing.

That said, here are relevant updates since the last 2019 update I hope you'll find helpful. 

*Udemy does not allow external links on the course description so websites can not be provided.*

The DSM5-TR remains unchanged as does the ICD; and the websites provided in the training (several listed below) have staff and educators updating regularly and in a timely manner.

Language is ever evolving and though this course still serves as a good 101 in what not to use, some of the preferred language has shifted. However, the sound advice is always to use what an individual themselves use.

WPATH released new standards of care (SOC 8). These are the most research-based guidelines in history, best practices according to available research and are much more aligned with the patient centered, informed consent model. Here is WPATH's website and I do believe you may access the full SOC8 for free on WPATH's website.

US insurance agencies have not yet caught up to the SOC8 so often still require SOC7 level letters and criteria be met.

The US Trans Survey, the first of which is covered extensively in this module, conducted an updated survey in 2022. Those results and summaries can be found on the US Trans Survey website (dot org).

And finally, the Movement Advancement Project keeps up to the day watch on U.S. legislation relevant to the LGBTQIAP+ community, including the transgender community. (It's how I know where it is legally safer to travel in the US). Their website is LGBTQ Map dot org.

Helpful organizations for up to date stats and other resources (most websites are simply the name of the org plus dot org):

The US Trans Survey

Gender Spectrum

Trans Equality

WPATH

LGBTQ Map

Original Course Content

What is gender? I don't know any transgender people.

If this issue doesn't directly affect me, why should I care?

The truth is you don't know that no one in your life is transgender and there's a very good chance that if you've said anything remotely like the above to them, they might never feel safe enough to tell you. 

A Beginner's Guide to Trans 101 is the very basic foundation for developing cultural competence in working with transgender individuals. With the increased visibility of the transgender community more industries and individuals are finding the need to increase their knowledge and understanding of issues that effect the transgender community. 

It is important to learn appropriate and inappropriate ways to interact with members of the community so that your communication can be positive, non-stigmatizing and successful. And, well, just basically not be jerk.

Anyone who interacts with members of the public, or manages employees can benefit from this foundational course that covers terms and definitions, the differences between sex, sexuality and gender, the current issues facing the community and will give you tools you can use immediately such as do's and don'ts of behavior and language. 

Whether you are in customer service, human resources, a manager, a friend or family member wanting to learn more to support a trans loved one this course will give you a solid foundation from which to begin your journey of cultural competence. 

This course is foundational for folx who have none to little knowledge of trans issues. If you are interested in a deeper discussion about the etiology of gender please contact me directly with further course suggestions. If there is a need I am happy to co-create new offerings.

Please note that, as stated in this course, language is ever-evolving and the contents of this course were current the year it was last updated. If you are taking this course after the year it was made there are outdated terms. Please use the regularly updated resources listed in the course to learn the most current and respectful language. Plans to update this course after the US NCTE's 2022-2023 survey results are published.