Breaking Gymnastics Stereotypes
EMERYVILLE, Calif. (PRWEB) September 13, 2018 -- Head Over Heels is pleased to announce the opening of our groundbreaking Gender Expansive classes. This is certainly one of the first, if not the actual first program of its kind in Bay Area artistic gymnastics. Kids of all genders, ages six and up, will have the opportunity to learn and develop skills in all artistic gymnastic events regardless of gender identity.
Typically with gymnastics, preschool kids are taught in co-ed classes while school-aged kids are put into girls’ or boys’ classes. Then children advance through levels based on skills gained in specific events. Currently in artistic gymnastics, women compete in four events: Vault, Uneven Bars, Beam, and Floor, while men compete in six events: Floor, Pommel Horse, Rings, Vault, Parallel Bars, and High Bar. This Gender Expansive program offers a third option, in which children can explore all the different kinds of events without having to navigate gender labels.
Coach Morgan, who identifies as Trans Non-Binary, is extremely excited about coaching the Gender Expansive class. Coach Morgan explains, “I grew up with gymnastics, and it saved my life in many ways.” Coach Morgan is hoping that the GE program will help kids with gender dysphoria, and assist kids with valuing what their bodies can do more than what their bodies look like. Ideally, this program will help to break down gender binaries, as well as stereotypes about the human body based on gender.
Coach Morgan was apprehensive about negative reactions when first proposing the Gender Expansive program to the Recreation Program manager at Head Over Heels. However, when the directors and administrators responded with a resounding "Yes," what started as a way of testing the waters for one person became a broader opportunity for all kids in the community. Children don’t have to be gender non-conforming to take the class; this program is for all kids who don’t want to be limited by gender-specific classes or events. Because strength, grace, and creativity are possible for everyone.
Lydia Christoph-Sanchez, Head Over Heels Athletic Arts, http://www.HOHAthleticArts.com, +1 5106551265, [email protected]
Share this article