I think we can begin to tackle the systemic oppression felt by LGBTQ+ students by first acknowledging that it happens in all schools and communities. It is not a topic that we can sweep under the rug or ignore simply cause it makes some uncomfortable to talk about or because they think its not relevant to them. As much as some people may think that these topics are not appropriate to discuss in schools or are not relevant to their kids, the fact is that LGBTQ+ students are everywhere and are experiencing discrimination and oppression with alarming consistency. Clearly things need to change in our schools systems if the same issues being faced by these students 10 years ago are generally the same issues that are still hurting them today. After clearly acknowledging the issues, policies and rules need to be developed to support and protect LGBTQ+ students in the education system so they no longer feel marginalized and like their teachers do not understand them at all.
As we discussed in class, getting input from LGBTQ+ students and their parents on topics and issues that pertain to them is crucial for the community to feel included and equal. We as future teachers must also ensure that these students feel safe and secure in the classroom settings, always remembering that for LGBTQ+ students their needs extend farther than sexuality or gender. They also face the same problems that all other students navigate through as they grow up.
Hi Carlos,
Good post on this topic, I agree with your comments on trying and doing what we can as educators to ensure a safe environment for all of our students.
I also found your comment talking about how our educational system, saying “Clearly things need to change in our school systems if the same issues being faced by these students 10 years ago are generally the same issues that are still hurting them today.”
Doing the same result over and over and expecting a different result, which is the definition of insanity. SOmething needs to change to implement and produce effective change, which is something I did not think about on this topic and how to bring it effectively into the classroom.
Hey Carlos! I completly agree with all of your points. People disagree about gender and sexuality being taught in schools, but the only evidence needed to prove why these topics should be taught is that fact that teachers are guaranteed to be teaching 2SLGBTQ+ youth, and those students have a right to proper health education. I really liked your focus on safety for this topic, that is the underlying theme of this whole conversation!!