(title undetermined)

Indianapolis, IN

In a culmination of my studies in the arts, gender/sexuality, and elementary education, my thesis will be a children’s book on gender expression. This can be defined as the clothing, behaviors, styles, etc. that a person uses to express their identity. It may be a matter of comfort, rebellion, or just what one likes best. However, there is an overwhelming backlash towards people who express themselves outside of societal norms. This book will aim to explain gender expression to children, along with diverse characters and a relatable plotline. Through my experience as a teacher, I have seen so many examples of gender conformity and rebellion in my classrooms, and aim to create a story for my students and beyond. As soon as we are born, there are already expectations about our own gender identities; wearing certain clothes, liking certain things, and having certain personality traits. If children are allowed to explore what they want to be when they grow up, what they like and dislike, and almost everything under the sun, gender identity can be explored the same way. Childhood is the most formative time in one’s life, and restriction into different categories can stifle how they understand themselves and their peers. Through the power of reading, it’s time to teach and learn about gender expression!