Here are a few stories in a text book called “The New Teacher Book”:
‘Framing the Family Tree: How Teachers can be Sensitive to Students’ Family Situations’ p.95
5. ‘Heather’s Moms got Married’ p. 103
6. ‘Out Front’ p. 111
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.
Technology has helped the LGBTA community of youth because it has helped them to connect with each other, especially those who struggle in smaller, unaccepting communities. It gives the youth a sense of belonging and need that they desire and may not be receiving in their home, community or school. Mass media has also helped to have a sense of understanding for people who are LGBT because they are portrayed as people, which is what they are.
“It may help parents and caregivers to learn that the Web—and digital tools in general—can actually be beneficial for teens. This may be especially true for teens that are otherwise isolated or marginalized. Youth who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) often grapple with the social risk of losing family and friends by coming out and the physical risk of being attacked. For LGB youth, the Internet can provide a welcoming community of other young people looking to share their experiences and gain support. Discrimination at schools is sometimes so widespread that recently the ACLU found “some public schools are using web filtering software to block student access to positive information about LGBT issues and organizations” yet allowing web access to anti-LGBT sites or sites with information about changing LGB sexual orientation. (5) With such hostile environments offline, an accepting and supportive online space can be lifesaving.” (Teens and Technology, Psychology Today; Published on December 30, 2013 by Dr. Michele Ybarra, MPH, Ph.D.)
As there are many positives to technology, the negatives that hinder technology is the same for any student and youth in the world. Technology has its negative affects because people still bully and say negative things behind the keyboard of a computer, cellphone or tablet. This is something that will only change as we give society the knowledge that they need to learn about those who are different from them and believe things they do not understand. Technology and mass media have negative affects on all students who attend school today with bullying, name calling and the need or want to belong. Although LGBT students may have more negative things thrown their way by other students, all youth deal with the negative of technology and mass media.
LGBTA Project 