In the last decade transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals have become increasingly visible in our families, culture, and public discourse. This course explores the concept of gender identity for people who are curious about the nature of gender, the process of gender affirmation, or changing social dynamics. Participants will learn the unique challenges faced by the TGNC population as well as develop the skills to build inclusive spaces in all spheres of their life. This course was developed under the Joycelyn Elders Chair in Sexual Health Education at the University of Minnesota.
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What does it mean to identify as Transgender or Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC)?
University of MinnesotaAbout this Course
Offered by

University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation’s most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Welcome!
In the last decade transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) individuals have become increasingly visible in our families and culture. This course explores the concept of gender identity for people who are interested in the nature of gender, the process of gender affirmation, or changing social dynamics. Participants will learn the unique challenges faced by individuals within the TGNC population as well as develop the skills to build inclusive spaces in all spheres of their life. Each module will contain original video content, readings, and other multimedia to enhance the learning experience. Throughout the course, participants will be asked to demonstrate your knowledge via short multiple choice quizzes and/or discussion sections that challenge you to reflect on your learning experiences. This course was developed under the Joycelyn Elders Chair in Sexual Health Education at the University of Minnesota.
Introduction to Gender Identity
Gender identity is a wide spectrum beyond the binary of male and female. Each and every one of us has a gender identity innate to our experience as humans. While gender is all around us, much remains unknown about the development of gender identity. This module introduces the basics of gender and explores how gender affects our daily lives.
Digital Stories
A collection of first-person narratives exploring the ups and downs of daily life as a transgender or gender nonconforming (TGNC) individual from several points of view.
Understanding the Process of Gender Affirmation
Developing a healthy gender is a lifelong process. For individuals that identify as transgender or gender nonconforming, the process of gender affirmation can take many forms as they age from children to older adults.
Reviews
- 5 stars75.32%
- 4 stars14.28%
- 3 stars6.49%
- 2 stars2.59%
- 1 star1.29%
TOP REVIEWS FROM WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO IDENTIFY AS TRANSGENDER OR GENDER NON-CONFORMING (TGNC)?
I found this course insightful and incredibly helpful.
An amazing course rich with narratives and lots of readings/ videos/ resources. This has been a great learning experience for me. Thank you to everyone who was a part of teaching this course :)
Gave me insight on challenges that transgender people have to face and how we can be of a support to them.
It's very interesting and excellent course that provides a comprehensive background of LGBTQ+ and their lived experiences.
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