Transgender Representations in TV and Movies Lesson Plan

Diversity in Media
Gender Representation
Movies
2SLGBTQ+ Representation
Stereotyping
Television

Level: Grades 9 to 12

Author: Kathleen Clarke, B.A. Sociology (2015)

Duration: 2 hours

Overview

In this lesson, students are introduced to concepts of gender identity and gender expression and learn about common portrayals of trans people in movies and TV shows. Students then draw on this analysis to imagine trans characters and allies in different TV and movie genres. Finally, students consider the question of whether it’s more important for characters from marginalized communities to be represented in media more often or if it’s more important that those portrayals be positive and accurate.

Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate:

  • An understanding of current and past representations of the transgender community
  • An understanding of the implications of the lack of appropriate representations of transgender persons in the media
  • An understanding of gender identity, gender expression and allies

This lesson and all associated documents (handouts, overheads, backgrounders) is available in an easy-print, pdf kit version.

Lesson Kit