Gay and Lesbian Issues in Schools?

Question

Before anyone gets upset, please read on. I am looking at this topic from a social justice standpoint (not talking about discussing what happens behind a bedroom door). I have witnessed bad behavior by students that could be corrected with education. As many of you know this is a topic that many teachers stay away from either because of their personal beliefs or they fear what parents might say or do. What do you think? Should gay and lesbian issues be taught in schools? How would you teach it? What are gay and lesbian issues?

Answer 1

Hatred is more often than not a consequence of ignorance. People should understand that even if their religion forbids homosexuality, religious rules do not apply to people who are not part of their religion.

You cannot denounce homosexuality and you cannot endorse it. You have to present it as it is: a sexual orientation for some people.

Gay and lesbian issues include, but are not limited to:

Exclusion: being rejected by society for being "different" and even being rejected by their families.

Suicide: The suicide rate for homosexuals is much higher than for heterosexuals.

Civil rights: Such as civic unions, adoption rights, visitation rights in hospitals, health insurance's spouse status (some insurance companies do not recognise a gay partner as a "spouse" and therfore refuse to cover them), marriage, and the overall legality of certain sexual practices (like anal sex) in some states.

Answer 2

The concept of homosexuality can be discussed in a high school setting in which students bring up the topic and the teacher plays devil's advocate. At least that's how I think it should play out. It's definitely a GREAT topic to get into because it forces both sides to look honestly and openly into the debate. High schoolers need to learn how to defend their beliefs through logical reasoning and with factual information. Controversial topics that are relevant to teenagers are a great place to do this. Besides, they're about to become voting citizens. I want them to have a clue.

Answer 3

That is a VERY sticky subject because if a public school teaches on the topic, they have to take a neutral point of view. I think that should be left for the parents to discuss with their children. Starting that in public schools will raise up lots of issues, just as teaching evolution in schools does.

Answer 4

I believe that it SHOULD be taught. It could be taught as part of a tolerance unit. The problem is that some people think that it is morally wrong, so teachers would need to be careful and not sound too preachy that being "gay is ok" (or else some parents might get angry).

Answer 5

Yes, because many people need to know what is going on. many people are very out spoken and amazed when they see a gay couple together. If school begin teaching gay and lesbian education in school that will benefit many children as they get older and go out to the real world.

Answer 6

I think it should definitely be taught. Most of the kids in my high school are so hateful towards the gay community, and even though I am heterosexual, some of my best friends are bi. I think that this is mainly due to ignorance, and this problem needs to be rectified. I think some issues included could be about hate crimes, tolerance, acceptance within the family and/or within the peer group.

Answer 7

sure. i think of that is important that folk are knowledgeable and made attentive to what's happening interior the international around them. it is going to learn in a independent, non-biased rely. Neither help nor discourage it. only state the data; tell the scholars that it exists, and what it incredibly is, and then pass on. do no longer p.c.. factors on the subject rely. To stay a sheltered existence and attempt to brush uncomfortable matters decrease than the rug, as though those issues never existed, is only going to sell lack of know-how. so some distance as an age team, i think of 5th or 6th grade (notwithstanding the common age to hold the birds & bees communication) may be a marvelous place to commence.

Answer 8

I think that the ongoing battle for equal rights (not "special rights") that LGBT are involved with should be discussed with other civil rights discussions.

I think that LGBT sexual orientation should be included in discussions of human sexual orientation and safer sex discussions.

I think that famous LGBT people from history should be discussed along with people of other minorities that are highlighted, to show that history is not 100% made by straight white men only.

In short, don't make a special "LGBT lesson," but make sure that you don't EXCLUDE a discussion of LGBT people in your standard lessons.

There really aren't any "LGBT issues" that aren't basic equality issues. Teachers are there to be objective and present all sides of a question. If a teacher harbors a particular race/religion/gender/orientation bigotry, it is their job to be objective despite this.

Answer 9

I teach this as a tolerance issue, and let me tell you, I see a lot of intolerance in my classroom. I teach mainly latinos who are very decided on this issue... and very intolerant.

I'm constantly telling my students that I don't want to hear the word gay in my classroom, as most of them use it as a slur. I also call them on the use of the word "Chino," which means Chinese in Spanish. They call every Asian this, regardless of the fact that I actually have no Chinese students.

I also openly tell my students that I have friends that are gay, and that it makes no difference to me. I try to set an example of tolerance for them to follow, and call them on it when I see their behaviors that need to change.

Answer 10

I would be afraid to answer this question honestly. This will no doubt get me a violation notice for a honest and truthful answer to a posted question.