This week's readings and video were all about the ways in which teachers and people are supposed to be inclusive to all people. This includes transgender and non-binary students as well. The RI Guidelines depicted a world where everyone was equal and allowed to use the restroom or play on the team that coincides with their gender identity. The "Querying Our Schools" reading really emphasized the importance of teaching transgender and nonbinary equality in schools, instead of hate. The video was a great example of how teachers can introduce this topic to their classes to show them that everybody is different and to embrace these differences. 
The article, "Querying Our Schools," really stood out to me because it showed the power of community. In this article, a child lights a girl's skirt on fire on the bus, just because she was different. The girl suffered burns and the child was tried as an adult. The community was outraged and marched in support of the girl, wearing shirts to support the cause. What really stood out to me was that the girl, Sasha, and her family, insisted on trying the child as a child instead of an adult, and instead, reforming schools so this kind of thing doesn't happen again. This made me think about how important it is to teach children about transgender and non-binary people from a young age.
This is dangerous because it teaches kids how to hate each other based on differences. This paves the way for hate crimes and even irreversible deaths in some cases. Teaching students to love and uplift one another despite any and all differences should be part of the school curriculum. This article is an insightful look at why not teaching students about the LGBTQ+ community is a dangerous thing.
Overall, I really enjoyed these readings and this video as it opened up the discussion to transgender rights. In class, I would like to focus on what everyone else thinks about teaching transgender rights in schools. At what age would you suggest starting? How long should the curriculum be?
Hey Amara! Your point about children only knowing what they are taught at home underscores why the classroom must be a space of intentional exposure to the breadth of human experience. Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful analysis of how we can better protect and celebrate our students.
ReplyDeleteYour reflection makes an excellent connection between the readings and the video and the concrete implications of inclusive education. The way you navigated between Sasha's story and the community's supportive response truly underscores that systemic change begins with empathy and understanding. I agree: addressing issues of gender identity and acceptance early on helps prevent misunderstandings and prejudices before they take root. However, I advocate for a necessary and structured approach without any desire to impose a lifestyle on everyone. I'm curious to know how you envision teachers integrating these lessons: do you think it's more effective to incorporate them into everyday classroom discussions (for example, through stories and social-emotional learning) or to develop a specific teaching unit focused on gender and identity?
ReplyDeleteHi Amara, I enjoyed reading your post.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree that children really don't have many opportunities to learn about LGBTQ+ at younger ages. Children at younger ages are really only going to hear about it through the lens of their parents. I really liked how the read aloud provided an easy to way understand gender expression.
Hi Amara, I generally feel like when young people are able to formulate questions about things there's usually an age appropriate way to answer their question. In terms of gender identity, pronoun use, and sexuality, creating opportunities to communicate these ideas in stories and discussion is appropriate. As you mention, when people learn about things through indirect impressions or the expressed views of a limited number of family or peers, their understandings can be problematic.
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