Symptoms of Being Human

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. What is the difference between “gender” and “sex”? What are some examples of ways in which a person’s gender expression (the way in which a person expresses a gender identity, often through appearance, dress, behavior, or other perceived characteristics) might change over time or depending on the situation? What does it mean when we say that someone’s gender expression or gender identity is “nonbinary” or when we talk about “gender fluidity”?

Teaching Suggestion: The main character of Symptoms of Being Human, Riley, is nonbinary, and much of the book’s plot centers on this aspect of Riley’s identity. This prompt is intended to ensure that all students begin reading with the basic background information necessary to fully understand and empathize with Riley’s situation. After students make an initial attempt at this prompt, the resources below can be utilized to fill in any gaps in their knowledge and to broaden their understanding. Following this, students might revise their initial attempts at the prompt or discuss how these resources change their understanding.