"a gender perspective that is unshakable at its core"
First in a 3 Part series, this Gender Wheel Training highlights why a fundamental shift in how we think and talk about gender is critical for us to move forward into a new world that supports, celebrates, and values everyone.
What makes this training different?
NATURE-BASED
CULTIVATES an awareness of nature’s universal patterns and how they are reflected in bodies and gender throughout all realms: plants, animals, and people
DEEPENS an understanding of nature’s greatest strength: Diversity
DECOLONIZED
UNEARTHS the origin and impact of gender oppression on humanity and nature
REVEALS how the colonized mindset directly affects and limits our current understanding of gender and social inequities
HOLISTIC
NURTURES embodiment as a whole human BEing in whole community, in all of nature, with the whole story
EXPANDS thinking into a new planetary mindset of continuums, connections, and interrelatedness
"When we understand Nature's timeless patterns,
we know gender and body diversity are valuable and necessary."
"When we understand the full dynamics of gender oppression,
we know why it continues to play out AND how to interrupt it."
What's included:
Training Videos
The 6 main sections are part of a larger narrative and each lays a foundation for the next. Watching the series builds a new understanding piece by piece, while weaving everything together.
FAQ Videos
Common questions & comments assembled from our facilitated trainings, ranging in topics from religion, teachers navigating parents, dealing with pushback, gender talks in the Latinx community, and more.
Supplemental Videos
Additional videos dive deeper into Nature, Indigenous History, and US History from a nature-based gender perspective with links to further learning.
PDF Downloads
A 26 page packet is available to download with a viewing guide, key takeaways, tips, worksheets, references, and coloring pages.
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"What if, by addressing gender oppression from a nature-based perspective, we could change the world?"
Who is this training for?
This Gender Wheel training connects with nature, and addresses the impact of systemic gender oppression, providing an authentically supportive framework for education, care-giving, and healing settings.
People who have attended trainings are:
- Educators - from early childhood to university
- Parents
- Clinicians
- Healthcare providers
- Social service workers
- Administrators
- Therapists and counselors
- Care providers
- Queer, Trans, Intersex people
- Decolonizers of all kinds
- Nature lovers
- Social justice activists
- Peacemakers
About the Trainer:
Maya Gonzalez is a Xicanx genderqueer femme with 3 decades of experience as an independent researcher with a specific focus on LGBTQ & suppressed history
Maya is also a multicultural children’s book author & illustrator, fine artist, progressive educator, and co-founder of Reflection Press, a POC, queer, & trans-owned indie press. Maya first created and published the Gender Wheel in 2010 in The Gender Now Coloring Book, which was also one of the first books to talk to kids about transgender and intersex topics.FAQs:
How did the Gender Wheel Training come to be?
The Gender Wheel Training is the culmination of years of research, and layers of experience, including working with universities, conferences, organizations, public and private schools and programs with the curriculums Maya Gonzalez has developed, namely:
- 1996-2015 Claiming Face curriculum/race and ethnicity presentations and workshops (anti-racist education)
- 2010-2020 Gender Wheel curriculum/gender presentations and workshops
- 2021-2022 Santa Clara County pilot program of the Gender Wheel Training 3 Part series - the training series has been renewed with the county to continue offering it for free to Santa Clara county practitioners and residents
What is the research behind the Gender Wheel Training?
An extended resource and reference list is provided as part of the Gender Wheel Training, but some noteworthy references include:
- Bagemihl, Bruce. Biological Exuberance: Animal Homosexuality and Natural Diversity.
- Roughgarden, Joan. The Genial Gene: Deconstructing Darwinian Selfishness.
- Roughgarden, Joan. Evolution’s Rainbow: Diversity, Gender and Sexuality in Nature and People.
- Ruiz, Don Miguel. The Four Agreements: A Toltec Wisdom Book.
- Booth, Mark. The Secret History of the World.
- Boswell, John. Christianity, Social Tolerance and Homosexuality: Gay People in Western Europe from the Beginning of the Christian Era to the Fourteenth Century.
- Boswell, John. Same-Sex Unions in Pre Modern Europe.
- Bronski, Michael. A Queer History of the United States: Revisioning History.
- Mann, Charles C. 1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Colombus.
- Resendez, Andres. The Other Slavery: The Uncovered Story of Indian Enslavement in America.
- Manion, Jen. Female Husbands: A Trans History.
- Snorton, C Riley. Black on Both Sides: A Racial History of Trans Identities.
- Young, Michael B. King James and the History of Homosexuality.
- Kimmerer, Robin Wall. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants.
- Roscoe, Will. Changing Ones: Third and Fourth Genders in Native North America.
- Roscoe, Will. The Zuni Man-Woman.
- Roscoe, Will & Stephen O Murray. Boy-Wives and Female Husbands: Studies of African Homosexualities.
- Sigal, Pete. The Flower and the Scorpion: Sexuality and Ritual in Early Nahua Culture (Latin America Otherwise).
- Feinberg, Leslie. Trans Liberation: Beyond Pink or Blue.
- Feinberg, Leslie. Transgender Warriors: Making History from Joan of Arc to Dennis Rodman.
- Goettner-Abendroth, Heide. Societies of Peace: Matriarchies Past, Present and Future.
- Lerner, Gerda. The Creation of Patriarchy.
How do I get access to the training?
Head over to our Vimeo On Demand page and hit the "Rent All" button to start your 30 day access period.
How long do I have access to the training videos?
The rental period for our Part 1 training is 30 days. The series format was originally designed as a half-day training for the fullest immersion but can be expanded to fit your personal schedule. We recommend completing the series within a week if possible as it helps keep the overall narrative fresh in your mind and aids in the reorientation experience.
Can I share this training with colleagues or in a meeting?
We encourage folks to work through the materials together in small groups as it can be a great way to learn in community and have meaningful discussions about assumptions and stereotypes. Screening to less than 10 people is perfectly acceptable, but for larger venues or for public events please contact us at trainings(at)genderwheel.com for licensing information.
Every dollar spent on renting our trainings helps ensure that we can keep doing this important work and provide even more materials and videos!
Can I screen this to my students?
The Gender Wheel training is geared toward young adults and up but can be suitable for teens. However, if you would like to share the videos with a classroom of more than 10 people please contact us for classroom licensing at trainings(at)genderwheel.com.
Can I screen the training at my event?
Our On-Demand Trainings are for personal use. While small viewings with colleagues, partners, family, etc. are welcome, public events or for screening to more than 10 people please contact us at trainings(at)genderwheel.com