Blog Post 10

There are a few steps in which educators can address issues of homophobia and oppression towards queer people. Acknowledging that there is a problem and trying to push biases and preconceived notions aside is the first step. The second is to educate yourself on the oppression that LGBTQIA+ people have faced in the past and how they continue to face in the present. Learning about the discrimination that takes place allows for us as educators to incorporate queer identities and voices into the classroom in a respectful and insightful manner. 

Some things that educators as well as schools can incorporate that create a safe place for queer students are to incorporate gender neutral bathrooms into schools, read literature or study art or song that queer artists created, acknowledge queer history in the classroom, and invite queer people in as guest speakers to share perspectives with students. 

I think it is also important to revise and read through material and textbooks that are provided for student learning because many times, textbooks and educational material is continuously used even though it is very outdated. I know that when I was in school, many of our textbooks were from the 90’s or the early 00’s. These outdated resources can perpetuate stereotypes and oppressive views so it is important to be aware of the material being presented to students.