Module 1: Gender & Sexual Identity in Media

Studies have shown that media plays a significant role in affording LGBTQ2IA+ youth the ability to explore and construct their identities in ways that challenge cis-heteronormativity (Greensmith and King, 2020). Learners can explore the intersection of gender identity, sexual identity, and media by considering a range of media texts such as literature, video games, social media, cinema, and television. This interactive, learner-centred resource addresses these topics, while also considering intersectional social identities and traditional Indigenous conceptions of Two-Spirit identity.

According to Churchill (2017), “effective digital resources for learning are designed for use … in the context of learning-centered activities” (p. 4). As such, learners will take a self-guided approach as they interpret and articulate the ever-changing language related to LGBTQ2IA+ identity, while reflecting on how these identities are constructed and expressed through different media. Module 1: Gender and Sexual Identity in Media provides a number of opportunities for deep learning and multi-modal engagement by using tools such as Genially, Padlet, Miro, PlayPosit and H5P, in addition to visible thinking strategies adapted from Harvard Project Zero (2016).

Essential Questions

• • How does media support LGBTQ2IA+ individuals in the exploration and self-construction of identity?

  • How is LGBTQ2IA+ identity articulated and interpreted in media?

  • What is the difference between self-identified labels and slurs?

  • Why are self-identified labels important in promoting visibility and countering identity erasure?

  • Why is it important to consider intersectional identity narratives when consuming media messages?

  • What are traditional Indigenous conceptions of gender and sexuality?

  • What are the systemic social and cultural barriers (e.g. heteronormativity) that affect the construction and expression of intersectional, LGBTQ2IA+ identities?

You will explore two lessons in this module

1. Defining Gender and Sexual Identity

   • Self-Identified Labels

   • Two-Spirit Identity

     • Two-Spirit Identity in Literature (Article)

   • Intersectionality

     • Intersectionality in TV/Cinema (Video)

2. Engaging Gender and Sexual Identity

   • Constructing and Expressing Identity

   • Identity and Video Games

     • Mattie Brice (she/her) - Game Designer (Video)

   • Identity and Social Media

     • The 'Coming Out' Video (Article)

Activities

Feel free to extend any or all of the following activities by sharing ideas in small groups or as a whole class, face-to-face, rather than (or in addition to) the online interactive videos, discussions, and whiteboards embedded within the learning resource.

Live linked below is a list of the different activities (interactive videos, discussions, and whiteboards) you will find within the module:

• 3-2-1 Bridge Routine: Activating Thinking and Reflecting on the Term Identity

• Open Discussion Forum (Padlet): Language and Terminology

• Interactive Video (PlayPosit): Constructing Queer Identity Through Video Games

• Interactive Video (PlayPosit): Tapping Into Intersectionality With "Pose"

• Discussion (Padlet): Self-Identified Labels

• Discussion (Padlet): Two-Spirit Identity

• Discussion (Padlet): Intersectionality

• Knowledge Check (Genially)

Extension

Learners can extend their thinking around LGBTQ2IA+ identity further by participating in Module 2: Gender & Sexual Representation in Media. This module continues our exploration of gender and sexuality by examining its connections to representation in media, stereotypes, and queer coding. Following Module 2, the inquiry project provides an opportunity for learners to apply their learning and engage with real audiences to make a difference.