A piece printed in the New York Times this week that took a close look at the experience of a gender-neutral student at the University of Vermont forced the Editorial Board into an introspective posture regarding IU’s policies surrounding ?gender-nonconforming students.
The story covered Rocko Gieselman, a University of Vermont student who identifies as neutral rather than male or female, and highlighted Vermont’s willingness to accommodate students who prefer to be addressed by pronouns other than “he” or “she.”
The university allows these students to select their own identity via a preferred name, regardless of what’s printed on their birth certificates, and preferred pronouns.
The data is then recorded in a campus-wide system so all professors possess the correct terminology when classes begin. Though this may not seem like a significant option to cisgender students whose heteronormative privilege takes a wide cultural understanding of their gender for granted, the University of Vermont is making huge strides in the realm of gender equality by officially recognizing whatever gender their students may claim or reject.
This advancement of gender equality in the academia setting provides the validation and comfort they deserve as students and human ?beings. IU has certainly taken steps in the right direction as well, but we are still far from creating a positive, inclusive environment for ?gender-nonconforming individuals.
Students may choose “neutral” or “transgender” when creating student IDs, and the health center takes preferred gender pronouns into ?consideration when treating patients.
However, we still have yet to establish gender-neutral restrooms or housing for students who would rather not have their living situation ?governed by their gender ?identification.
Gieselman’s story is also relevant when considered in the context of Bruce Jenner’s recent transition on a national scale as well as IU’s ?inclusivity status at the local level. The New York Times’ coverage of Gieselman’s experiences is refreshingly honest, sensitive and respectful when compared to the treatment of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals in the media ?recently.
Bruce Jenner’s fluidity and transition has been viciously sensationalized for the sake of comedy and ugly fascination, likely because Jenner’s decision to identify as a transwoman seems like a drastic change from a previous identity as a stereotypically masculine Olympic athlete adorning Wheaties boxes.
In an era that has seen great accomplishments made on behalf of trans individuals in the media, such as the enormous achievements and widespread adoration of actress ?Laverne Cox, one would hope we as a nation have advanced past the immaturity and cruelty of making a ?spectacle of trans individuals.
Unfortunately, that is not the case, and Jenner likely faces much more ridicule in the days to come while working toward an identity that feels true. Step by sluggish step, progress is being made by the University of Vermont, Rocko Gieselman, the New York Times, Laverne Cox, Bruce Jenner and our own Indiana University.
However, until we begin to respect the validity of all individuals who live outside the false gender binary, we must all be part of the forward ?movement toward a more inclusive world. The work of equality is never done.
