Beyond the Binary is a professional development resource focused on students who identify ad non-binary.

Until about ten years ago, non-binary identities were largely absent from sociological research frameworks. Today, however, they have emerged as part of the broader landscape of Lgbtqia+ experiences and are now at the forefront of conversations around rights, visibility and self-expression — including in education.

Data from the LGBTI Youth Wellbeing project, carried out in schools across Emilia-Romagna, reveal that 17.4% of respondents identify as non-binary.

If teachers already find it challenging to develop skills needed to support lesbian, gay and bisexual students, working with non-binary and trans youth can be even more complex.
Stereotypes and prejudice remain sensitive issues and opportunities for open dialogue are still limited. This makes it harder to explore new strategies for creating learning environments that are inclusive, welcoming, and effective for all.

This book offers practical tools — but above all, it encourages educators to reflect critically on their role and reconsider their approach, with the goal of building schools that are open, affirming and socially aware.

Foreword by silvia Demozzi, Associate Professor of General Pedagogy, Social Pedagogy and Philosophy of Education at the University of Bologna.