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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.

This episode is a moving reminder that allyship isn’t about having all the answers. Instead, it’s about showing up, listening deeply, and acting with care.

Resources that were mentioned in this episode, or could help you dig deeper:

Reflective questions relating to UNLEARN Episode 7:

Starting Together - Who are the people in your school or community you could reach out to for support on your gender inclusion journey? What would moving from learning alone to learning alongside others look like?

Bringing History Into the Room - How has colonisation shaped what you were taught about gender at school? What might shift in your teaching if you acknowledged and included the fluid, diverse expressions of gender that have always existed across cultures?

Normalising Social Transition - When a student shares a new name, pronoun, or way of expressing themselves, how do you respond? How can you normalise social transition in your practice so students or staff members feel affirmed rather than singled out?

Finding Your First Step - Emma described how small, compassionate actions can create ripple effects. What is one thing you can do this week—a conversation, a classroom example, or a resource you could share—that reflects your allyship?

Moving Past Paralysis - Have you experienced "cis paralysis" or "Pākehā paralysis"—the fear of getting it wrong that leads to inaction? What helps you move through that fear and into action, and what support might you need to keep going?

Here are the same reflective questions for Episode 7 in a printable and shareable PDF format.  


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