Gender and Non-Binary Gender Identities

Gender and non-binary gender identities group have been set up in order to address the issues of individuals with different identities and expressions. The YEU volunteers, aged between 20 and 30 years old and based in Belgium, researched the ways different societies react towards the topic of gender, and what is the role played by Social Media in this.

Research Question: What is the impact of Social Media on building awareness and understanding around gender and gender identities?

The participants chose this topic because of their past experience working on different international events and projects on it as organizers, facilitators, trainers etc. By analyzing Social Media and other online sources, the group recognized that in most debates about gender identities, the non-binary gender identities and expressions are less addressed and debated. Consequently, it is also obvious that many young people around Europe here lack of the proper understanding and awareness on this topic.

The main outcomes* of the group’s work and researches were:
– The sources promoting understanding and awareness on gender issues are just a few;
– There are lots of aggressive and “hate” speeches online;
– There is the need to promote a gender-sensitive educational approach online and offline from early years;
– There is a necessity to talk about this kind of issues, especially in relation to online behavior, respect and tolerance;
-It is very important to link Formal Education and Non-Formal Education to actually promote, support and raise awareness on these issues. That can also support the development of digital material and help people tackle related issues.

*Note: These are the current conclusions, with the finalization of the process (beginning of June 2018), there could be more results.

The nonbinary flag.