How do we effectively teach about LGBT while remaining anti-oppressive?

      The answer to this question is not as difficult as it might appear. Teachers must first ensure that they have the right mindset and that they are teaching about this issue for the right reasons. If the students are to believe what they are learning the teacher must first believe what they are teaching. Teachers must also attempt to take themselves out of the equations, for many teachers LGBT is not going to be something they are very experienced with and therefore this will be an opportunity to learn something while teaching. Teaching in an anti-oppressive manner is about more than simply presenting the facts and remaining unbiased. Teachers almost need to become advocates of social justice. Society does enough to enforce the mainstream stereotypes without the help of the education system.

     One of the best things to do to remain anti-oppressive is reaching out to the community. The Saskatchewan Government defines schools as “centres of community” so it is imperative that some sort of community outreach is used when teaching an issue such as LGBT (Caring and Respectful Schools, 6). In Regina there is a very active LGBT community and several different support groups. For a teacher who is serious about teaching LGBT in an anti-oppressive manner many of these groups are more than happy to send a representative to speak with a class or even just answer questions over the phone or through email.

        The problem with remaining anti-oppressive does not often arise from the individual lesson on LGBT; however, the problem does tend to surface during activities that favor heterosexism. For example something as innocent as Valentine’s Day can be very unsettling for someone that is questioning their sexuality. On a day like Valentine’s Day teachers and parents urge students to give each other cards and treats while unconsciously encouraging heterosexual behaviour. Things like this will happen in every classroom every day. No teacher is perfect but it is the responsibility of all teachers, especially those who wish to teach in anti-oppressive ways to reflect on their day and acknowledge where they made mistakes and how they can adjust.

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