Protecting Identity Before It Begins

A forward-thinking policy initiative committed to eliminating early identity-based distress through equitable, research-informed developmental neutrality

About PGN

The Protective Gender Neutrality (PGN) Initiative is a collaborative policy framework designed to reduce early identity-based conflict through developmental neutrality and equity-centered family engagement.

In response to growing concerns around early-onset gender dysphoria, categorical socialization, and identity polarization, PGN offers anticipatory solutions grounded in developmental research and emerging neuroscience. We support communities through data-informed policy, resource allocation, and innovative identity-neutral practices such as Sheathing.

Our mission is to protect emotional and psychological well-being at the earliest stages of life by fostering a post-binary developmental environment in which children can discover their identities without coercive social imprinting.

Pilot Program Spotlight: Sheathing

Sheathing is a developmental neutrality protocol currently in early pilot stages, designed to reduce premature identity imprinting and alleviate early-onset categorical dysphoria. It provides infants and young children with a protected, identity-neutral physical interface until such time as they are developmentally ready to self-select expression pathways aligned with their internal identity framework.

As part of PGN’s broader commitment to identity equity and psychological safety, Sheathing prioritizes delay of exposure, minimization of externalized gender cues, and supportive caregiver practices. Initial responses from early-trial participants have been overwhelmingly positive, with increased emotional stability and reduced anxiety around social categorization.

Pilot programs are currently underway in partnership with select regional developmental health boards and education equity foundations.

Read the Policy Brief

We’re not removing identity—we’re delaying assumption.

— Dr. Lenora Mei, PGN Neurodevelopmental Research Advisor

Developmental Equity

Advancing trauma-informed, non-binary frameworks that promote psychological safety from birth.

Policy Innovation

Partnering with interdisciplinary stakeholders to inform inclusive, research-based identity readiness models.

Long-Term Social Harmony

Reducing early categorical bias and identity-driven division through compassionate neutrality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sheathing mandatory?

No. Sheathing is a voluntary protocol currently available in limited pilot regions. Families electing to participate receive training, resources, and ongoing developmental support through PGN-accredited providers.

What exactly is Sheathing?

Sheathing is a non-invasive identity-neutral interface designed to limit premature exposure to binary gender cues. It is not surgical and does not alter biological development. Rather, it supports a child’s ability to experience formative years without externally-imposed identity labels.

When does Sheathing end?

Children may self-select an identity expression pathway between ages 11–13, during a guided neurodevelopmental readiness assessment. Parental input is welcomed, but final expression alignment is child-directed under PGN protocol.

Is PGN affiliated with the government?

PGN is a collaborative public-private framework supported by multiple regional partners in education, public health, and identity development. Several policymakers have expressed interest in evaluating PGN outcomes for broader adoption.

How does PGN define gender neutrality?

PGN promotes identity environments in which gender-specific cues, language, and roles are neither imposed nor prioritized during early childhood. This enables self-discovery rooted in personal experience, not categorical expectation.

Is there scientific research supporting PGN?

Preliminary findings from pilot programs indicate reductions in early social anxiety, binary-associated distress, and classroom categorization conflict. A full longitudinal study is underway in partnership with the Institute for Post-Binary Ethics and the NeuroEquity Alliance.

Supported by the Institute for Post-Binary Ethics, FutureFamily, and the Equity in Childhood Development Alliance.

🔒 PGN Certified

| Ethics Transparency Protocol 2.5

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