Brad
- Jun 2
- 1 min read

What social sciences say about gender identity and gender expression in kids with Madelaine Adelman

Release date: June 5, 2023

In honor of Pride Month, I wanted to look at sexual orientation and gender identity and expression in kids. In particular, I wanted a better understanding of the terms that are used to describe gender identity and gender expression. I also wanted to get an overview of what happens when we fail to support kids who are perceived as not conforming to prevailing sexual and gender norms. To help with this, I reached out to Madelaine Adelman. Maddie is a Professor of Justice Studies in the School of Social Transformation at Arizona State University, an author, and, for over two decades, one of the driving forces in GLSEN, a national organization that was founded by teachers to promote safe, supportive, and LGBTQ-inclusive K-12 education. More information about Maddie and links to resources for parents and educators are below.

Biography of Madelaine Adelman

Madelaine Adelman is professor of justice studies in the School of Social Transformation at Arizona State University. She is the author of Battering States: The Politics of Domestic Violence in Israel (Vanderbilt University Press), and past president of the Association for Political and Legal Anthropology. She is founder and current board member of the GLSEN Arizona chapter, founding member and former co-chair of GLSEN’s National Advisory Council, and a former member of GLSEN’s National Board of Directors and its Executive Committee.