Understand | The plurality of genres

Whether it’s drag queens, athletic competitions, or even toilets, issues of gender identity and expression spark heated discussions. However, for many people, the plurality of genders remains a rather abstract concept. Marie-Philippe Phillie Drouin, general manager of the organization Divergenres, offers four sources to better navigate this sometimes surprising universe.

An exhibition: to each his own

“Everyone has a gender identity, so everyone is affected,” begins Marie-Philippe Phillie Drouin. It does not matter whether this identity corresponds to biological attributes (cisgender) or not (transgender), for example. Presented at the Musée de la civilisation, in Quebec, the exhibition One of a kind wants to make everything related to gender better understood. And deconstruct certain myths along the way, such as that of binarity. “Sexuation in animals or humans is complex”, even from the point of view of the genital organs, which are more varied than we think. “Non-binarity is not a phenomenon of millennials who want attention. Many traditional societies organize themselves with more than two categories,” says Marie-Philippe Phillie Drouin, who collaborated on the design of the exhibition. The division between masculine and feminine is a social norm, which validates certain identities and marginalizes others. And that impacts the power dynamics in a society. The exhibition also focuses on struggles for gender equality, from feminism to the trans movement. And also celebrates the resilience and creativity of trans people. The visit takes just over two hours.

One of a kindpresented at the Musée de la civilisation, in Québec, until April 14, 2024

A series: identities in search of characters

Interesting transgender or non-binary characters remain too rare on Quebec television, believes Marie-Philippe Phillie Drouin, who uses the pronoun “iel”. “It’s always the same two or three stereotypes that are represented, the reality is much more diversified. ” White trans women, mostly without disabilities, whose lives are marked by drama, violence, drug addiction, exclusion, these characters “victimize trans people and serve essentially to educate cis people”. The Divergenres organization, which does popular education and supports people who are wondering about their gender or are in transition, is preparing to publish, in collaboration with Laval University, a study that details this finding. . Marie-Philippe Phillie Drouin prefers to stay away from “these service trans people”. However, a friend warmly recommended the Canadian series Sort Ofof the CBC, whose French version called Somehow is broadcast on the Extra of Tou.tv. “Fiction centered around a gender non-conforming, non-white person who comes into contact with other queer characters, where themes such as work and family relationships are discussed, in all their shades”, this is what makes a change on the small screen.

A comic strip: childhood and transidentity

To address the question of gender identity with children or teenagers, the comic strips of Sophie Labelle, whose Assigned boy – A fiery trans vibe, are a valuable source. The author, a trans activist who lives in Montreal, “has a sense of humor that speaks really well to 12-20 year olds,” says Marie-Philippe Phillie Drouin. Here is another rare fictional space where the trans character does not only have the function of educating “ordinary” people. Sophie Labelle, who does not hide her assertive side, touches on many aspects of the trans reality, including anger in the face of a world that sometimes imposes its rigidity unceremoniously. Moreover, how can we explain the sometimes very emotional reactions when it comes to transidentity, especially when it concerns children? “To say that the genitals do not define the place you occupy in society, it goes against a learning that is really anchored in people”, answers Marie-Philippe Phillie Drouin, for whom this transgression of norms, like all transgressions, threatens a certain established order. And causes a backlash. A bit like the struggles for women’s suffrage or civil rights in other times…

Assigned boy – Fire trans vibe

Sophie Labelle

Lion tooth

234 pages

Training: becoming a gender expert

The responsibility for explaining trans and gender diversity often falls on non-conforming people. A complex exercise, sometimes confronting, even when the interlocutors are well intentioned. “It is extremely heavy for people who have not asked for anything – and who just want to live with dignity – to have to educate, argue, expose themselves, testifies Marie-Philippe Phillie Drouin. Me, it bothered me so much that I made a career out of it. Good news: no need to torment the first trans to find out about their reality. The National Institute of Public Health offers the free online training “Gender, gender and sexual orientation: understanding diversity”. Designed for employees in the health and social services sector, this training is nevertheless open to everyone. It lasts four hours and focuses in particular on the origins of prejudices linked to gender diversity and the impacts of discrimination. Through graphs, questionnaires, and thanks to the help of renowned researchers, this “very comprehensive training provides the knowledge and skills necessary to develop adequate interpersonal skills and know-how”, concludes Marie- Philippe Phillie Drouin, who believes that the education system should offer this kind of tools to Quebec students.