“How might we begin to address how the systems we teach our curriculum in  are intrinsically homophobic, transphobic, biphobic, and oppressive towards queer and trans people?” 

This week’s topic feels very impactful as the teachings touch on the oppressive nature of the curriculum, but also in society. Gender and sexual diversity are topics all people have a perspective on. All people in society actively identify or do not identify with a gender, and humans are inherently sexual as we are biologically programmed to reproduce.

I think in order to address how the systems we teach in are intrinsically oppressive to the queer community, we should start with identifying, and actively dismantling the societal systems of oppression we contribute to outside of the classroom. For example, as individuals, we should all consciously avoid using gendered pronouns in our daily lives. By constantly assuming that our perception of gender is correct, we are being ignorant of the fact that our perspectives are rooted in heteronormative narratives.

The process of rehabilitating the heteronormative systems in our schools starts within our classrooms, and with our own personal sentiments on this topic. Teachers should be visibly in support of the queer community, must speak openly about how incorrect narratives are harmful towards 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and be active advocates in dismantling the binary system of gender.

The process of rejecting the binary system of gender should be addressed in all areas of society, but it is seldom given the space and time it deserves. Our classrooms can be that space. Schools should be the first institutions to implement non-binary washrooms, gender-neutral perspectives, and actively reject heteronormative ideologies.