There are a growing number of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) students in schools. Many schools are receiving whole-school training to support TGD students. However, the frequency and quality of this training varies from school to school and PE Departments face unique challenges, in what can be a very sensitive issue. TGD students experience high rates of common mental health conditions (such as depression and anxiety) along with suicidality.
PE Departments can take a number of simple and practical measures to support TGD students to feel genuinely safe and valued in PE. The presentation will challenge school leaders and teachers to reflect on various aspects of their PE Department through the lens of a young person with gender dysphoria.

I reflect on his my own practice over my 20 year career, citing examples of how I inadvertently reinforced gender stereotypes and assumptions, now realising I was part of the problem. I give several examples of what changes I have made to ensure that I have become part of the solution. Content includes curriculum design/delivery, use of language, setting in PE, communicating an inclusive vision to stakeholders and practical measures such as changing.