Understanding Gender: What's Cake Got to Do with It?!

This 1-hour training is a beginner's level overview of what gender is, how it develops, and how & why we can go beyond the stereotypes.
About this Event

Workshop Overview:
There is a lot of misinformation and confusion about gender today, especially gender identity. It’s critical to have accurate information. This presentation could be sub-titled, “Gender 101", because it covers the basic concepts and terminology related to gender. After covering information about what is and what isn’t gender, there will be time for questions and comments. We hope to plant seeds for conversations about how gender affects us all and why we all need supportive and safe environments to grow into our best selves, starting at an early age. And yes, we’ll also talk about the connection between gender & cake!
Why Attend:
This 1-hour training is a bite-sized “beginner’s” introduction, perfect for those who may feel overwhelmed or perplexed by gender identity conversations yet want to expand their understanding in order to better support the children in their lives. Expect a good dose of humor and playfulness thrown in!

In a time of misinformation and cultural & legislative pushback on anti-bias values and practices in schools and organizations, these foundational conversations are vitally important to the well-being of our youngest and fellow citizens. They also remind us that we are in this work together. Early learning professionals, parents, grandparents, extended family members & friends, and all those interested in learning more about gender development in a supportive community are welcome!

About the Presenters
Marjorie Newman (she/her) began her career as a preschool teacher over 45 years ago. As a licensed clinical social worker, she worked with children and their families in a variety of settings, including preschools, as a psychotherapist, family advocate and trainer. Marjorie became involved in transgender education and advocacy 14 years ago when her 21-year-old came out to the family as trans. She recently completed a year-long training with Gender Diversity and currently co-facilitates a support group with the organization, Trans Families, for parents of adult trans children.

Kelly Thompson (she/her) has spent over 35 years in social work practice including clinical work with children and families in community agencies, developing school-based programs, providing training and supervision and establishing collaborative community partnerships. She taught social work practice skills in the Seattle University Social Work Program and directed a variety of research projects at the University of Washington related to child and adolescent mental health.

Ticket sales for this event support our "You’re the Heart of Hilltop" fundraising campaign! We rely heavily on sponsorship and fundraising to cover the costs of our professional development offerings. Your donation of any dollar amount helps us sustain our 2025 Outreach Institute programming. (Suggested donation amount of $15 or more.)
There is also the "Free" ticket option for attendees who work in early learning programs sponsored by the City of Seattle Department of Education & Early Learning (DEEL). Those who select a DEEL ticket are also welcome to donate funds in any amount!

Can't make the live event? This training will be recorded and shared with all who register.
WA State Early Learning Professionals: Earn 1 hour of STARS credit for attending live or by watching the recording and completing a written assignment. (Please note that you will still need to register in order to receive the recording)