Understanding the importance of gender identity Blog 10

In watching "Woke read alouds" it brought me back to my youth when my mother was a professional dancer on Broadway. I was a young boy between the ages of 9 and 12 when I would visit her in New York City. Most of her friends were non-binary. I would sit around with them and try to understand what they were saying, but the words (queer, gay, bi-sexual) would go straight over my head. Most of the terms they used then are no longer accepted, but they did teach me how to respect the feelings of all. I feel like these encounters as a young man have helped me in my nursing career today. While my verbage has improved over the years to be more politically correct. I have always respected all people and their personal preferences. I find it alarming when I hear stories of violence and hate crimes towards LGBTQ. All people have the right to express themselves or love anyone they feel love for. I do not understand why people feel the need to cast their beliefs on others. In watching Woke Read alouds, the importance of understanding gender identity is eloquently presented. I feel like it makes sense to refer to a person by the name they want to be called and the gender they identify with.