As people who are a part of the system which is at its core intrinsically oppressive towards queer and trans people we must intentionally make our classes more inclusive spaces. Including language which is able to incorporate all peoples represented in our classrooms and outside of the classroom as well. Allowing students to feel comfortable asking questions about sexuality and gender identities in a safe space is an important part of breaking down barriers for trans and queer students and people. Making the subject of sexuality less taboo is one way to eliminate barriers for trans and queer students who may feel judged by their peers and family. As we allow students to grow up in an open environment, they will grow to be more tolerant adults. Simply addressing the issues with intolerance for trans and queer people is not enough, we as teachers must also take meaningful action to create change.

 

As teachers we have a responsibility to our students and community to teach relevant pedagogy to enrich the lives of learners. By mindful inclusion of 2SLGBTQIA+ language and ideas we are doing our students a service by teaching about very real things which should be understood. Curriculum is certainly something which should be met but each teacher will have a unique interpretation of how best to teach in alignment with these criteria. It is easy to include Queer voices when we are aware that there are minimal resources in the classroom that bring these ideas up. Using two females or males in a math question is easy, including the iel pronoun when teaching French is easy. These things can be done but they often are not and there is the issue.