How you can draw strength from the journey to your gender identity as a student

Which gender do I identify with and how should I express this? It can be a struggle. Of course, we have more and more words (e.g. transgender, gender diverse, non-binary, gender fluid) that give us language to express different feelings and thoughts about our gender. But for many, the search goes beyond just finding the right word or letter that you most identify with.

A characteristic of gender identity is that it can be confusing and constantly evolving. What meaning do you give to all the feelings and thoughts? In this session, we start from the premise that you do not need to have all the answers right now. We believe that it can be nice to have an idea of what you might encounter in your search and hear about the experiences of others. After all, you are not alone.

Some questions that may be covered:
What do you encounter in your search for your gender identity? What hurdles may you come across in this search? How can you look at this search process as a powerful and meaningful period in your life? What can be the value of experimenting during your search process? How do you deal with the reactions of the outside world to your process? And how do you relate to the old outside world when you present yourself with your new identity? What networks and communities are there where you can find support, inspiration and a connection?

Principles
Each session or workshop will be guided by the same principles:
• Collaborative community: we create the experience together. We take responsibility for ourselves, we take care of each other and dare to ask for help when we need it.
• Enthusiastic consent: we respect each other’s space, boundaries and privacy. We share a responsibility to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, safe and valued.
• Depending on the attendees, the workshop will be given in the appropriate language. We always pay attention to an inclusive approach and matters are discussed in multiple languages if necessary.

Who is speaking?
• Maaike Frankena - information coordinator COC Haaglanden
• Remke Verdegem - Transgender Netwerk Nederland
• Lou Nijhuis - representative of The Hague Rainbow
The session is facilitated by Anna Stutje

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