Conversations with KK: Teaching Others

During summer 2020 all of my university courses remained online due to the pandemic and the lines between professor and mom continued to blur. I teach courses focused on families and family engagement to aspiring teachers and family professionals so while teaching my university courses at home with my children always around, it seemed natural to incorporate them into some of the content I created. KK had a cameo appearance in a video early on in these courses, and then asked me several times to help make another video. I began to think about how meaningful it might be for my students given their chosen professions to hear KK’s ideas regarding gender expression and what life is like for her. I wondered if hearing about KK’s experiences might expand their understanding and empathy such that the children and families in their care would feel affirmed. Below is the interview we captured when KK was age 7 and finishing up first grade.

I hope you take away new learnings to help you affirm the gender expansive children in your life.