How you
would respond to a parent/family member who informed you they did not want
anyone who is perceived (or self-reported) homosexual or transgender to
be caring for, educating, and/or interacting with their child?
If I was in a situation where a parent informed me they did not want anyone who is perceived homosexual or transgender interacting with their child, I would first ask the parent why the feel that way. Sometimes people feel negative towards homosexuals or transgender because they are scared it will impact their child in a negative way or they are afraid of someone who is different from them. In this case I would ask the parent how the feel about other diverse people interacting with their child and what would be the difference between someone who is homosexual educating their child and someone who is from another country or disabled. I would try to help them see that interactions between children and people from diverse backgrounds helps children acknowledged that everyone is different and should not be treated different because they are not like everyone else. In the video segment, the group of teachers said that, acknowledging the existence of families with gay and lesbian parents will prepare children to be respectful when they meet people who are lesbian or gay. I feel the same applies to those who educate and care for children. It teaches children to be open minded and more excepting. By a parent not wanting their child to be taught by someone who is homosexual or transgender continues the spread of homophobia throughout generations. In all, I would try to help the parent see who this type of discrimination can have a negative impact on the child.
Any
other related situations, thoughts, concerns, questions, and/or areas of
discomfort you would like to share related to children, gender, and sexual
orientation.
In watching my students interact with one another, I have heard statements for the children referring to what boys and girls can and can't do. I have heard the comment, "boys are faster than girls" and even comments about boys playing in the housekeeping area. I think it important to teach children that boys and girls can do whatever they put their mind to. Just because someone is a boy doesn't mean they can play with doll and just because someone is a girl doesn't mean she can't be a construction worker. Its important not to limit a child's ability just because of gender. I do have a question I would like to pose though, how do we introduce the topic of diverse families if the children don't raise questions or concerns? In particular families with two mothers or two fathers. I would you introduce this topic without upsetting your parents, especially when their are no students from those backgrounds.
