In this 3 Part series I explore the relationship between language acqusition and gender. How can we begin using our language to be more inclusive and provide our kids with the skills they need to negotiate oppressive systems?

In part 3 I also explore an example from a children’s book that unconciously passes on gender oppression and a lack of consent. This highlights the power of language, the importance of lived experience, and why it’s where we must begin to create real change and equity.

(This series was originally posted on my blog in 2019)

About Maya:

Maya Gonzalez is a Chicanx, queer femme artist, progressive educator and award-winning children’s book illustrator and author. Maya’s work addresses systemic inequity in relation to race/ethnicity, sexism and cissexism using children’s books as radical agents of change and healing, both personally and culturally. With partner Matthew, Maya co-founded Reflection Press, a POC, queer and trans owned independent publishing house that uses holistic, nature-based, and anti-oppression frameworks in their books and materials for kids and grown-ups. Maya is also the creator of the Gender Wheel, a tool to express the dynamic, infinite and inclusive reality of gender, and provides lectures and workshops to educators, parents and caregivers. www.mayagonzalez.com | www.genderwheel.com | www.reflectionpress.com