The take-away point I got from the article on homosexual adolescents is that they need someone in their corner battling for them. Or at least someone who is open and willing to listen and reserve judgment. This is the perfect time for teachers to step in. As we have discussed before this is a time where students look more to their teachers and don't necessarily see their teacher as the enemy.
I had a teacher in high school that worked so hard to combat things that were mentioned in the article. We had a Day of Silence where students could choose not to speak for a day to symbolize the silence that LGBT individuals feel in our society. She tried to bring in a gay litigator to show exactly what the text said gay adolescents are lacking, "another difficulty that gay and lesbian teenagers have in dealing with their homosexuality in adaptive ways in the abscence of postivtive role models. Gay and lesbian teens do not see the same diversity of adults with whom to identify as heterosexual adolscents do," (340). It's hard because I know not everyone agrees with homosexuality but these students need real help. In high school, we also had a White Ribbon day symbolizing that LGBT teens have the highest suicide rate of any teenage group. So this is more than just people's position on what some consider a moral matter; in many cases this is between life and death.
How To Trade Forex
7 years ago
4 comments:
I definitely agree we have to provide resources for all students and a safe space in which they know can be their refuge at any time.
I know that this can be especially difficult because we deal with very homophobic populations who don't feel comfortable with homosexuality and therefore make it the brunt of their jokes. What can we do about these students? I like the idea of brining in a gay litigator but what else can teachers do specifically for urban youth to address stereotypes and diminish gay bashing?
I think we need to show people that gay or lesbian people are just ordinary folks like everyone else. How can we do that? Sure, bring in gay litigators to schools helps, but we also need compile statistics such as average income, backgrounds, occupations, etc. of those who identify themselves as gay or lesbian and show that they are not different from everyone else. We need strong leaders in the gay/lesbian community such as Ellen DeGeneres and John Amaechi to start speaking for the gay community so those who are gay feels more comfortable with themselves and their choices.
We are a very long way from equality for gay and lesbian people, but I think a large, wide-scale movement would destroy lots of the judgments and attitudes that people have towards gays. I have a friend who is gay, and much of my judgments about gay people was thwarted after I really got to know Marcus. Hopefully, the same will happen throughout America.
Thinking back I don't actually remember there being any LGBT advisors at my high school so I'm impressed with your teacher that stood up for these kids. I think it is a time when teachers can make a difference in the lives of students esp. in LGBT students who may not be able to come out to their parents.
I for one want to try to take a role in a school that can help create a space for these students. Unfortunately, our country seems to be taking a step back for every step forward we make when it comes to the LGBT community. Prop 8 in CA is a big example of this. I mean, what kind of message is it sending to these students when we as a society tell them that they are not allowed to marry someone they love just because we are uncomfortable with their lifestyle or for some just because a book makes a couple passing references to their lifestyle.
I was thinking about the "Day of Silence" comment. In my experience this had a dual impact on the students. I think it was good because it got people talking and wondering what this kids were upto. That conversation should be had about the ignorant assumptions of people about sexual orientation and I think the day of silence is good way to start that conversation. However, in my experience most of the kids that needed to be confronted about these issues saw these poeple as attention seeking drama emo's. Just thought it was another reason them to express themselves as "different." I just think there would be a better way to have the conversation without having such a strong reaction to the people trying to start the conversation. People fear that they don't understand, and some people might look at these people and build upon this irrational fear.
Post a Comment