The International Center for Growth in Connection released the following statement on gender expansive Relational-Cultural Theory on 9/10/2024:
This statement addresses the binary gender construction present in the historical discourse of Relational Cultural Theory (RCT) and declares that RCT is understood now and moving forward as embracing trans and gender-expansive identities.
RCT calls on us to center cultural context when seeking to understand self, relationships, systems, and society. In keeping with this central assumption, we acknowledge RCT was developed in a social-cultural context wherein the binary framing of gender was pervasive. At the time, the founders’ introduction of a human development theory created by women and based on women’s lived experiences was revolutionary. Nonetheless, understandings of gender have moved far beyond the erroneous and destructive binary framework, and RCT must evolve as well. Expanding the use of gender-inclusive language not only honors trans and gender-expansive identities, but also challenges the ongoing rigid patriarchal structures that exclude women.
In this spirit, we implore practitioners and scholars, in all sectors, to reflect on and commit to practices built on an expansive understanding of gender (including gender-affirming care, and use of gender inclusive language and chosen names), to honor, respect, and support the evolving conceptualizations of gender and the essential humanity of each person.
Statement offered and endorsed by the ICGC leadership team:
Harriet Schwartz, Judy Jordan, Maureen Walker, Amy Banks, and Myriam Barenbaum.
Special thanks to Lisa Frey for helping to craft this text. Additional thanks to Amy Makice and the team at the Bloomington Center for Connection and Nate Smith, PhD and author of “Queering Connection: Narratives of Healing in Relational Cultural Therapy with Queer and Transgender Clients” (Cognella, 2025) for offering feedback on earlier drafts.