1. “Refusing to talk about LGBT issues or showing discomfort
when LGBT topics arise are nonverbal messages that tell youth that being LGBT
is abnormal and wrong” (20).I believe that this quote is saying that we should
not be afraid to speak about LGBT topics especially in the world we live in
today; where coming out of the closet is nothing out of the ordinary. Feeling uncomfortable
when topics come up about LGBT issues will only give the impression that being
LGBT is not okay. Avoiding it and refusing to talk about these kinds of things
does nothing but mask the issue. Instead we should learn how to speak out about
these things and not be afraid. Learning how speak out doesn’t necessarily propose
a solution but it helps to acknowledge the existence of those who are LGBT and
not make them feel inferior. We should make them feel like everyone else.
2. “One reason educators take the path of least resistance is
their fear of negative repercussion from parents and administrators” (91). I
believe that this quote is saying that teachers hesitate to teach their
children about this topic because of the fear of how they think parents and
administrators will react. Parents and administrator may have a different views
on the whole teaching children about LGBT issues. Some may agree that it is
important that children are aware of these issue but others may disagree and
bringing along with consequences which from the teachers perspective were
completely unintended.
3. “We contend that including LGBT people and issues in the curriculum
is an important first step toward creating safe spaces for LGBT youth. We say
first step because, as educators, we know that visibility in normalization alone
cannot transform our schools into safe and affirming spaces” (94). I believe
that this quote is saying that by including LGBT issues in the curriculum's of what
is being taught to children is important because it exposes them to the issues
that LGBT people go through. Although it may not be a direct solution in
attempting to transform schools into safe environments it is a stepping stone
nevertheless which can lead to bigger and better things.
You bring up a very good point in your second paragraph. Looking at what a teacher is allowed to do and not do is tough because they are limited in what they can teach. The problem obviously lies in the curriculum, and even that is limited because the school board doesn't want to do anything "controversial". The thing is the schools need to introduce teaching scenarios of families with two mothers or fathers just as they would with heterosexual families. To normalize rather than praise and call for acceptance is what needs to be done.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment regarding the second quote because teachers are truly afraid. They do not know what they can do and how much they are allowed to do. I believe that many educators and parents want to make a motion about this issues LGBT youth faces however these people must take the first risk because it is all about helping the youth. To make your dream come true you have to work for it, it does not simply change before your eyes.
ReplyDeleteI hope we will have a chance to talk more about the "stepping stones" and the "bigger and better things"!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your third point. Yes it may not be the only solution or the direct solution as you said but it is a step in the right direction and it can only get better the more that we and schools talk and teach about LGBT
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