Week 10: How might we begin to address the ways in which the systems that we teach our curriculum are intrinsically homophobic, transphobic, biphobic, and oppressive towards queer and trans people?
I think one way that classrooms can fluidly involve LGBTQ2S+ conversations is to bring these topics and discussions into the classroom more regularly. With any topic, there are influences by students’ families that cannot be controlled in the classroom, but informing, learning, and becoming comfortable with topics such as LGBTQ2S+ by having sufficient representation in the classroom is the first step towards intrinsic curriculum. Similar to how we learned to include Treaty Education into the everyday curriculum and try to include make it second nature for my students I would like to implement the same thing for the LGBTQ2S+ community where they feel a part of the class and treated equally as much as I can.
The Comprehensive School Community Health (CSCH) framework from Deepening the Discussion: Gender and Sexual Diversity (Publication from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education) mentions 4 components of creating a safe and accepting learning environment which include:
- High-quality teaching and learning
- Effective policy
- Healthy physical and social environments
- Family and community engagement
There are also additional and more in-depth breakdowns of each of the topics, going into more depth on how little changes and efforts can be made by teachers, administrators, students, families, and communities to create a safe and respectful environment for everyone, with emphasis on LGBTQ2S+. One example that is super simple to change as an educator that I am trying to work on is the language I use. “Everyone” instead of “Guys”, or rather than “he/she”, use “they”.
I think something that I can focus on as a young educator while looking at my philosophy is to try and have realistic goals of creating an inclusive, respectful, and safe environment for all my students. I emphasize realistic, as I find how philosophies and goals written on paper or learned in school are not realistic in the classroom. Realistic goals that can be implemented and impactful in the classroom.
Really nice post Brady. I absolutely agree with your point in that normalizing LGBTQ+ topics through regular discussion is a direct way to combat oppressive systems. I loved how you mentioned little steps educators can take to spark big change. Action isn’t always extravagant. Sometimes something as simple as changing our language can make lasting, positive impacts. Great ideas overall!