Sunday, February 28, 2016

Safe Spaces By: Gerri August

Safe Spaces: Making Schools and Communities Welcoming to LGBT Youth

By: Gerri August

Argument 

      In Gerri August's piece he argues that the LGBT lifestyle is not given enough recognition. As well as not being recognized, many LGBT children feel like their lifestyle is incorrect. The article states, "...(the) LGBT topics arise are nonverbal messages that tell youth that being LGBT is abnormal or wrong" (August). People feel uncomfortable talking about this type of lifestyle, so because of the lack of "saying the words" leads children to feel that they are wrong for being who they are. This type of seclusion is also discussed in a school setting. Teachers teach their students about different kinds of families including single parent families, adoptive families, and divorced families. Teachers make sure to include these types of lifestyles in their curriculum to help include more children. They also explain how families can come in different sizes and shapes or live in different types of houses. Even though they include all different factors, most educators take the "path of least resistance" by not talking about LGBT families. This makes it easier for adults and other children to not have to worry about understanding or offending this type of lifestyle. Ignoring the issue makes these children feel less important than others. In many instances children feel like suicide is their only option to turn to. August argues that LGBT lifestyles are equally important to any other, and they should be spoken about as freely as other family settings. 

Just because someone doesn't share the same lifestyle or sexual preference doesn't
mean they are any less of a person. It also doesn't mean that they are a bad person or make bad parents. 
Questions-Comments-Points to share:
I really enjoyed reading this article. It brings up a lot of really great points especially in the lives of children. The part where they are explaining the story of the children's show "Sugartime!" wasn't allowed to air because of the portrayal of lesbian mothers. The broadcaster company was afraid that people wouldn't watch their channel because of the exposure of an alternative lifestyle. This book was published in 2011; very close to 2015 where gay marriage was legalized. 

One part that gave a read flag though is when they are talking about teaching lifestyles in schools. I agree that gay marriage should be discussed in schools because it is a very important to recognize all families; however, I think the reason that teachers tried not to talk about it is because same sex marriage wasn't legal in all states. People want to talk about LGBT but felt they couldn't because they don't want to promote "illegal" activity. I think it was an iffy thing to talk about; but now since it's 2016 I think accepting this lifestyle and teaching children about it will be easy.

1 comment:

  1. Wow, that tumblr post image is really the perfect way to say that different lifestyles and sexual preference doesn't make a person any less than another. I believe all humans should be able to recognize the beauty in everyone and everything other wise life isn't worth living. Great post!

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