Diversity without Division
People belong in families
and communities.
How gender & sexuality are expressed and understood is variable, seen across cultures globally. We live in increasingly pluralistic societies. My goal is to help support gender non-conforming people find satisfying and meaningful relationships within their own context (families, workplace, communities).
Unfortunately, most diversity models presented today are based on post-modern academic philosophies and political strategies (Queer Theory). In that model, concepts like "100 genders" are taught, which are not evidence-based and, when mandated, can divide and alienate people. This is not a desirable goal for sustainable and meaningful relationship development because it doesn't respect the cultures in which people are situated.
Rather than take that approach, I rely on scientific evidence about gender non-conformity and work with clients' own values, cultures and beliefs, to help problem-solve and build healthy connections. I believe relationship building is healthier and more sustainable than coercive political ideas imposed upon people and communities.
Meet Aaron Kimberly
I was born with a rare ovotesticular disorder which wasn't discovered until age 19. Ovotesticular disorders of sex development (DSD) are characterized by both ovarian and testicular tissue occurring in the same individual - either an ovary on one side and a testicle on the other, or both tissues in the same gonad. The gonads are usually undescended and the other sex organs underdeveloped. This condition is thought to occur due to genetic variations and is more common among people of African descent. Sex assignment is typically based on the appearance of external sex organs, however, it's not uncommon for females with this condition to seek legal reassignment to male as adults, due to the high degree of masculinization. This was the case for me.
Having lived with this condition, I have an interest in the various reasons individuals are gender non-conforming, and the cultural contexts which inform our understanding of these experiences. Too often, gender-non conforming people live with shame and isolation, and are overly pathologized and medicalized.
My professional and educational background is in mental health nursing. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2008) and have worked with youth and adults in a number of inpatient, outpatient and community settings. I've been a subject matter expert on gender dysphoria in recent years and have been invited to speak to clinicians, politicians, families, organizations, and with individuals seeking clarity on the topic.
Thank you Aaron! It was so helpful to chat with you and I feel like I have some new ideas and a better concept of how to help my kid.
- Anonymous Parent
Thank you again Aaron, you are so warm and smart and accessible and doing such important work.People really loved the session and for me anyway, I’d love to work together at some time in the future and keep in touch.
- Anonymous group leader
Your presentation was a breath of fresh air and helped demystify the experience of gender non-conformity. I learned a lot. Thank-you!
- Anonymous presentation participant