Streatham Wells Primary School in south-west London has incorporated trans actor Elliot Page into its teaching materials as a positive example of masculinity, as part of a broader effort to challenge harmful gender stereotypes. The school described Page, who medically transitioned and now identifies as a man, as showing that masculinity “can mean softness and strength.”
In a lesson on how masculinity can take many forms, pupils were also presented with pop star Harry Styles alongside Page to demonstrate that men can be multi-dimensional. Headteacher Sarah Wordlaw outlined the school’s approach in an article for education site Teachwire, emphasising the need to teach about positive masculinities rather than focusing solely on toxic masculinity.
“It is extremely important to teach about positive masculinities. We need to encourage empathy, kindness, showing emotions, listening to alternative points of view and developing emotional literacy,” Ms Wordlaw wrote. She added that the school had already seen “a significant improvement in children’s awareness of key issues surrounding gender equality.”
However, the inclusion of Page as a role model has prompted debate among some educational professionals. Critics suggest that holding up a trans man as an example of masculinity may risk undermining the intended message — that biological men can also be gentle and emotionally aware. The school maintains it will continue to build diverse representation into the curriculum, highlighting figures who showcase positive masculinity.
