- Definition
Someone is gender non-conforming if they don't act or express themselves in ways typically expected for boys or girls, but they might still identify as a boy or a girl. For example, a boy who likes to wear dresses or a girl who prefers very short hair and traditionally "boyish" clothes.
A boy who enjoys wearing nail polish and has long hair could be described as gender non-conforming.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Being gender non-conforming is like choosing your favorite activities or clothes based on what feels right to you, not on what others expect boys or girls to like.
Ask your child: What are some ways people expect boys or girls to act or dress?
Common mix-up: Many confuse gender non-conforming with being trans or gay. This is about how someone expresses their gender through their style or interests, which is separate from their gender identity or who they love.
Examples
- A girl who has short hair and prefers wearing clothes like suits and ties.
- A boy who is a talented dancer in a style people sometimes associate only with girls.
- Someone whose style is androgynous, mixing elements people often label as 'for boys' or 'for girls'.
gender non-conforming is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
