Always Channel the Seahorse Energy Once a Semester in YA Literature and Think Through the Many Layers That Make Us Human

Gina, who I called Diana - Sea Goddess, nicknamed me Seahorse when we were just 19-years old. I never understood why until I became a teacher, and realized that teaching K-12 requires much nurturing. I can't say if I'm nurturing or not, but I am observant and although curricular demands were often oriented towards particular variants of people, the reality of a heterogenous society is complexity, diversity, continuums, and fluidity.

Last night we discussed all this while talking about gender and sexuality in the class. Each of the students chose a different book and for most of the night they taught me: how was it dealt with in school (if at all)? What terms are used today to discuss issues in health classes and school? After reading your book, what question would you want to ask of others?

The past few years I've had Uber-progressive students who knew a lot about issues that I did not know about. I believe it is because many were brought up in a world where diversity is accepted and appreciated, including the numerous categories named for describing the preferences of an individual. This year's crew was less vocal about what they read and more curious. I had to bring in sj Miller's framework a little more...

...but I was also thrilled that Fairfield University's Women's Basketball Team won the 2025 Lucy Katz Award, all because of their community advocacy, strong leadership, and willingness to take a stand. This was celebrated in our class, some, but also during Dr. Shannon Kelly's award ceremony later that evening.

My grandma was right when she taught us there's XX and XY, which she'd make with her fingers. But there are so many variations in-between. How true this is, and the best teachers make rooms where individuality is supported and applauded. They make safe spaces for all students, and they teach their students to do the same.