[Deepening the Discussion]: How might we begin to address the ways in which the systems that we teach our curriculum in are intrinsically homophonic, transphobic, biphobic and oppressive towards queer and trans people?
[Queering Curriculum Studies]: What does integrating queerness into curriculum studies mean to you? What will it look like, sound like, feel like in your classroom?
[Queering Classrooms, Curricula, and Care: Stories From Those Who Dare]: Which rule/discourse should the teacher follow: providing the duty of care for all students, or maintaining a classroom free from any notion of sexuality
We can address the current curriculum by challenging the way gender is used in the school system. First, we can do this by unravelling in what ways the curriculum is oppressing these students. Education on queer and trans people is the best way to break down homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia. In doing this, we will understand where the curriculum is and is not oppressing these students. After there is a basis of knowledge and understanding, the conversation of how to integrate inclusive education into the classroom can begin.
For myself, integrating queerness into the classroom is a step towards breaking down the oppression of queer and trans people. It is building a truly inclusive classroom where all students can learn and succeed. It is an being an ally, building a community and being a part of a global movement. It is furthering my education and teaching others. My classroom will provide opportunities for each student to learn, find their voice and use it too. My classroom will empower and inspire. My classroom will be a space where all students can see themselves in literature and media, where one no student is left behind.
To free a classroom of any notation of sexuality is a disservice to students. To avoid the notion of sexuality is to oppress trans and bi individuals. If teachers give their students a platform to learn about sexuality, there will be many events to follow. There will be a decline in homophobic, transphobic and biphobic slurs, as well as less judgement, and an inclusive environment not only in the classroom but eventually outside as well. Students have the right to know and the right to learn, so a teacher should not feel a barrier in teaching about sexuality because of fear of their employment, judgement and ridicule.