Most people naturally assume that there are only two categories of biological sex, namely female and male, and that all people can be categorized within this binary system. However, many are unaware that there are also people who do not fit into this system, as their sexual characteristics from birth on may either combine traits of both sexes or be neither typically male nor typically female. 

Our international project “Jill is Different – A children’s picture book about Intersex” addresses this topic.

The Book and the Research Idea

“Jill is Different” is a picture book by Ursula Rosen in which children discover together what intersex means. In this process, gender stereotypes are playfully questioned. The book addresses a topic that is both interesting and controversial. We expect that some parents or educational professionals may have reservations about reading it to children, while others would expressly support it. This is particularly relevant in an intercultural context. How children themselves will react to the book is unclear. There is little knowledge about how children respond when they read this book or have it read to them.

The challenges of translation

To tackle this, we translated the picture book into various languages through a multi-layered process. This brought many challenges, as different languages address gender in very different grammatical ways. Such differences affect how stories about gender topics can be told. There are now 13 translations, six of which were developed within the framework of the project. All translations are available as e-books; the German original and several translations are also available in print.

Research in intercultural contexts

We use the translations of the book in various cultural contexts and with children of different first languages to examine reactions, attitudes, perceptions, and feedback on the book. Initial results show that adults are often uncertain about how to talk to children about this topic. Children’s reactions range from a lack of understanding to interested curiosity. Reflections from this intercultural and multilingual research project provide exciting insights and open up new perspectives.

Open Project – Participation Welcome

The project is open to anyone interested in getting involved. We welcome new participants and warmly invite you to contact us.

Here is the story of how the project came about (in English).

Project Contributors

In Germany, the following institutions have participated so far:

  • BBS Alfeld (Leine) with several ECEC centres
  • RucksackKita im Haus der Familie Braunschweig
  • Integrative Kita Ofenerdiek, Oldenburg

Internationally, the following universities are involved:

  • HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Hildesheim, Germany, Prof. Dr. Tim Rohrmann & Dr. Halah Elkarif
  • University of Ioannina, Greece, Ass. Prof. Konstantina Rentzou, PhD
  • Charles University Prague, Czechia, Ass. Prof. Barbora Loudová Stralczynská, PhD & Eva Koželuhová, PhD
  • University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Dr. Shaaista Moosa, Dr. Rabia Rizvi & Prof. Dr. Deevia Bhana
  • Musashino University, Japan, Ass. Prof. Kozue Matsuda, PhD

Publications

Conference presentations: