As a public school teacher who considers herself to be a "straight ally," (I'm a paid member of HRC), I find myself very passionate about the issues facing the LGBTQ community. There are a lot of concerns I have when it comes to sexual orientation in schools. My skin crawls when I hear my students say, "That's so gay." To me, it's like saying something is "retarded." I don't know what to say or how to get my students to understand that "gay" is NOT an insult. I can't get them to understand that those words are hurtful. However, they do come to understand that this is a thorn in my side, and they eventually discontinue its use. Something else my students tend to do is spread rumors that another student is gay. I'm not sure what to say to the student when he or she tells me that this is going on. Naturally I deal with the rumor and those who spread it, but I don't want to give the impression that being gay is anything to be ashamed of. I was sad when I read this chapter because I hate thinking of the closed-mindedness that surrounds homosexuality. I can't imagine thinking that my child would somehow be less educated because she had a gay teacher. It's unfortunate the stigma attached to males who teach younger kids. A lot of kids, boys and girls alike, need positive male role models. It would be so incredibly hard to not be able to be yourself at work. I reference my husband almost daily when I'm talking to my class. I would imagine that a gay man would give pause to such a reference Likewise a lesbian would probably think twice before mentioning her wife. To me, it doesn't make sense. Why are we, as a society, so hesitant to accept this? I'm very much for providing our children with education regarding this topic. However, I am afraid for my job. I would love to explain to the kids that this is not a choice people make, that they are people just like everyone else, and hating someone because they are gay is the same as hating them because of the color of their skin. I worry, though, that I could lose my job on some weird technicality simply because discussing gay issues is "taboo." I know that the odds are that I have at least one student in my class now (I saw roughly 60 students this past year) who is gay. I hope that they realize that they've done nothing wrong, and it's OK to be who they are. I 100% support anti-discriminatory policies involving all types of hate including hate directed at gays. These rules shouldn't only apply to any one group. All groups of people are subject to discrimination and it can't be allowed, especially in school where children go to feel safe.
How would you help to insure the safety/comfort of a LGBTQ student you may have in class?
I am with you with this comment-- "I can't imagine thinking that my child would somehow be less educated because she had a gay teacher." When I read that case study, it made my skin crawl, as well. In response to your question, I think this is also a lot like walking a tight rope. I feel the tension that you describe in your post. I really like the idea of having some sort of outside medium to convey the information and bring awareness to students about struggles of someone who is LGBT, that way there can be facts and real voices of people who are LGBT instead of it just coming from a teacher. I think it would be worthwhile to investigate in materials such as articles, video clips, etc., to convey the severity of the problem. I feel that if students were more aware of the emotional impact their comments and behavior can have on someone who is LGBT, they would take their words/actions more seriously. Just even learning about the suicide and depression rates could bring a sobriety to students who take the issue lightly.
ReplyDeleteI do not have any students in first grade who would identify themselves as LGBT so that is not any problem for me at school. I have taught with a gay teacher and currently teach with a lesbian teacher. We do not have any problems with that at my school as a whole but we only go up to grade 4. Education is the best answer. Education takes away the fear of the unknown but there are some groups who would be against this type of education just as we have had the fight over teaching the different theories of the creation of man kind. It's is a touchy subject.
ReplyDeleteThe best way I would know how to protect the student in question would be to provide support and try to eliminate discrimination, at least, in my classroom. This is our job for ANY student, to provide a safe learning environment. If they can't feel safe, they can't learn, which is hindering their own success. I believe that all people be treated equal, sexual orientation included. I feel quite strongly about the fact that students know that they can come to me about anything. Knowing this is possible will allow students to open up and know that I support them. I also try very hard not to let me own personal opinions, about ANY political or diversity topic, influence my students. I do not discuss my opinions, I only present topics for discussion. Students may have their opinions, but when it becomes an issue of discriminating and bullying, that is absolutlely where I draw the line. Within my classroom, we respect EVERYONE.
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