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How can systems thinking help us stir the waters toward gender-inclusive futures? with Jade Tang-Taylor – Episode 8 UNLEARN

In this episode, I sit down with Jade Tang Taylor, systems thinker, creative strategist, and social impact leader, to explore how systems thinking can support educators in creating change toward gender inclusion. We unpack the Water of Systems Change model and reflect on the different levels where change can happen: structural, relational, and transformative. From school policies to power dynamics and mental models, we talk about how these layers interact and what makes meaningful change possible. Jade shares insights from her mahi (work) in education, design, and community leadership, including work with collectives like SASS (Systems Change Advocacy, Solidarity and Support) and frameworks like Scaling Deep. We also talk about why centring lived experience, embracing discomfort, and holding on to hope are all part of the unlearning journey. This conversation reminded me that while systems can be complex and entrenched, we educators have the power to stir the waters and to help shape g...
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How can educators relearn gender together? with Dr Emma McGuirk - Episode 7 UNLEARN

In this episode of UNLEARN, I (Milla) am joined by Emma, a passionate rainbow educator, activist, and anthropologist. Together, we explore what it means to be part of social change in education, from standing in front of classrooms to standing beside students. Emma reflects on her journey of self-discovery, her work with Rainbow Hub Waikato, and the challenges students and teachers face while navigating gender diversity in schools. Drawing on her background in social anthropology, she shares powerful insights into the historical and cultural fluidity of gender and how colonisation disrupted long-standing expressions of gender diversity across many societies. We talk about the impact of social transition, the resilience of rainbow youth, the importance of peer support among teachers, and the power of collective approaches to allyship. From inclusive language in maths problems to hosting a rainbow wānanga for staff, Emma shows how small acts and significant shifts can make a difference. ...
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How can our lived experiences help us unpack gender diversity in education? with Slay Way - Episode 6 UNLEARN

In this episode of UNLEARN, I (Milla) sit down with Slay Way, team leader at Rainbow Hub Waikato , to explore how language, lived experiences, and cultural perspectives shape our understanding of gender—and what that means for educators. Slay shares their personal journey growing up in rural Aotearoa, navigating a world that didn’t always make space for gender diversity. We discuss the power of words, the evolving nature of identity, and the importance of listening to those whose experiences differ from our own. This conversation invites educators to reflect deeply on how schools reinforce (or challenge) binary gender norms and how we can create learning environments that truly foster belonging. Key themes in this episode: How childhood experiences shape our understanding of gender The role of language—when it liberates and when it limits Why silence on gender diversity is not neutral but upholds the status quo Takatāpui and Indigenous perspectives on gender—what educators can learn Th...
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What do we mean when we speak about creating safe(r) and brave(r) spaces - for everyone? with Chelsea Haughton - Episode 5 UNLEARN

In this episode of UNLEARN, I (Milla - she/her) dive into a conversation with Chelsea Haughton (she/her), a fellow master's student on Change and Organisational Resilience and advocate for queer communities in Wellington. Together, we explore the complexities of creating spaces that are not only safer but also braver for LGBTQIA+ individuals and beyond . We discuss what it means to embrace intersectionality and the challenges of supporting individuals navigating diverse identities at any age. One of the key issues we discuss is the harmful over sexualisation of trans and nonbinary kids and adults —a deeply ingrained bias that associates gender diversity with sexual behaviour, often leading to inappropriate assumptions and stereotypes. This over sexualisation can make trans and nonbinary students feel objectified, unsafe, or excluded in school environments. By unpacking these biases, we explore how educators can challenge harmful narratives and focus on supporting students in expres...
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Who are cis, and how can educators better embrace gender diversity? with Rachel Kuysten - Episode 4 UNLEARN

In this episode of UNLEARN, we delve into the concept of cisgender with Rachel Kuysten (she/her), an experienced educator and advocate for gender diversity. Together, we unpack what it means to be cis - or transgender , how language shapes our understanding of gender, and why awareness is only the first step toward allyship . Rachel shares insights on navigating cisnormativity in schools, recognising privilege , and challenging biases to foster environments where all students can thrive. Milla reflects on her own learning journey, the discomfort that comes with unlearning, and why embracing that discomfort is key to real growth. Whether you are new to these concepts or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode hopefully provides thoughtful discussion, practical ideas, and resources to help educators create more inclusive spaces. Listen now to explore how small shifts in language , mindset , and action can make a big difference —not just for gender-diverse students but...
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How can gender statistics challenge and help us teachers to unlearn? with Sylvia Hach and Tara Pond - Episode 3 UNLEARN

In this episode of UNLEARN, my supervisors,  Tara Pond  (she/her) and  Sylvia Hach  (she/her), join me in unpacking some of the latest gender statistics from Aotearoa New Zealand. We explore the 2023 Census data, perhaps surprising findings from the Growing Up in New Zealand study, and why these numbers matter to us educators. Statistics are powerful tools that can help us challenge our biases and expand our understanding of gender diversity—but only if we’re open to unlearning. Tara and Sylvia share their journeys with data, explain how biases affect our interpretation of statistics, and discuss what these insights mean for creating more inclusive classrooms. We also reflect on the courage of young people embracing their identities, the importance of language in fostering belonging, and the responsibility we educators have to be role models for inclusion. Resources mentioned in this episode: 2023 Census shows 1 in 20 adults belong to Aotearoa New Zealand’s LG...
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How can our common values help us unlearn and embrace gender diversity? Episode 2 - UNLEARN

Kia ora, and welcome back to UNLEARN! I’m Milla (she/her), an educator and researcher, and in this second episode, I’m reflecting on the values that currently drive my commitment to gender inclusion in education. So far this journey has taught me that unlearning biases—especially around gender—is not just about understanding others but about questioning the privileges and assumptions I’ve held for so long.  Since I'm asking you to reflect and unlearn, I start by doing that myself. I share some reflections on the discomfort that recognising privilege and the responsibility that comes with it creates. Through my stories and examples, I unpack how misinformation, rigid beliefs, and fear can hinder our journeys towards inclusivity—and how we, as educators, can take steps to address these obstacles with empathy, respect, courage and grace. In this episode  I also explain why mental models are at the heart of change in what my research is about.  Whether you’re an educator, all...
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Who am I, and why do I want to support educators in gender inclusion? Episode 1 - UNLEARN

 Kia ora, and welcome to the very first episode of UNLEARN! I’m Milla (she/her), an educator and researcher. In this first episode, I’m opening up about a journey that’s been challenging but necessary—unlearning my own biases, especially around gender. I want to do and be better, to truly see and understand the gender diversity that exists all around us, that which yet often remains invisible in traditional education spaces. We people often cling to certainty and to the things we've learned before, sometimes turning away from the human rights of others in the process. But I’ve realised that staying silent is its own kind of harm, and I have a responsibility as an educator to make sure that everyone, especially those who don’t fit into society’s narrow gender boxes, feel seen and valued. My goal for each episode is to discuss the small but powerful actions we can take in education—like learning people’s names and pronouns and respecting their identities. These are often overlooked d...
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