How To They/Them
What does nonbinary really mean? What is gender nonconforming? What do I do if I mess up? And isn’t they a plural pronoun? All these burning questions and more answered by a real-life genderqueer writer.
In this friendly, humorous introduction to gender, Stuart Getty, author of A Visual Guide to Nonbinary Pronouns and the World of Gender Fluidity (Sasquatch, 2020), helps guide folks through some of the most complicated parts of gender fluidity with clarity, gentleness…and lots of jokes.
Getty gives their “101 on pronouns and gender,” screens helpful clips from their short documentary theyTHEM, and shares insights from their book in this charming and disarming interactive workshop.
They’ve designed a “game show” moment to give audience members a chance to fully engage and practice what’s being covered. Getty’s inviting and welcoming tone creates a space of belonging at a time where divisive conversations seldom have patience and grace, let alone humor.
This is about more than just bathrooms and pronouns—it’s about gender expression and everyone’s right to choose for themselves how to identify one’s self. While the pronoun they might only be for some, that freedom to choose is for everyone. (Let’s grab it!)
They isn’t going anywhere. Nearly 1 in 5 young adults say they’re “not straight,” and in Gen Z, about a fourth of their queer population identifies as “non-binary.” There will be inevitable changes to systems, policies, and work flows to make more inclusive spaces for this diversity of identities. This is your chance to learn how to shape them and navigate them – no matter which gender or bathroom you’re rocking.
Addressing pronouns and gender identity head-on can give audience members the skills and motivation to see, listen, and respect each other. Stuart Getty will create a safe space for conversation and connection, unlocking more authentic and comfortable relationships and collaborations in your community.
Whether you’re exploring the gender binary yourself, you want to be prepared to speak with non-conforming peers, or you just want to know how to explain this to Grandma, this gender-friendly talk will give you the tools and the language you need to stand up for gender freedom.
Getty spent their youth as a tomboy, growing up in Kentucky. Now they are a genderqueer writer/filmmaker and gender educator, and Design Director at a global design consultancy. Their work has screened at festivals like TEDx, Portland Film Festival and the Oregon Room at Sundance. They do speaking engagements and gender education at high schools, libraries, parent orgs, teacher orgs, colleges, design schools, places like CreativeMornings, Pecha Kucha, South by Southwest (SXSW), and Future Thought Leaders, as well as Microsoft, IDEO and other VC/tech companies. They live in Duluth, MN.