Children's Exposure to LGBT

                This week I explored how children are being introduced to homophobia and heterosexism, mostly through children's books. From my short research I have found that these issues are approached typically in one of two ways; either embraced entirely or ignored completely. What I mean by this is that teachers are either talking to their students about these issues and challenging their beliefs or they are redirecting their comments or replacing what they said with more acceptable words. Two books that I have seen used frequently are "It's a George Thing" by David Bedford as well as "And Tango Makes Three" by Peter Parnell. Bedford's book approaches gender roles by showing that boys can enjoy music and dance just like girls can. Parnell's book approaches alternative family structures and how a family can have two Dads.

            Some centers feel that including books that depict gay or lesbian individuals and families are inappropriate and avoid their inclusion. My view on this topic is very similar to one of the teachers in our video this week, "Her role was to help all children develop a positive identity, regardless of personal belief" (Laureate, 2010). Even those children who do not have LGBT family members should be educated equally so that all children are prepared to be respectful when they eventually come into contact with a gay or lesbian adult or schoolmate (Laureate, 2010).

            The last question this week is about what I would do if a parent informed me that they did not want a gay or lesbian educator to be interacting with their child. I would have to explain to this parent that all are welcome in my center and that sexual orientation or preference does not influence a teacher's effectiveness.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Start seeing diversity: Gender. Baltimore, MD: Author.