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  Case: LGBTQ Families in Elementary..... Equality for All?
During the first week on school I led my students in an ice breaker activity. The name of the activity is simply titled Introductions. I gave each student a 3x5 index card and instructed each student to write 1 unique thing about themselves and 4 other things they wanted others to know about them on the card with their names on it. Students were to choose anything they wanted to share, free from judgment. I found that this activity opened the doors for students to open up about themselves. Once complete, the cards were dropped in a bin and one student I selected came up to pull a card. It was through this activity that I learned I had two students with LGBTQ parents. To date, both sets of same gender parents are active within the school and in my classroom. I have had social talks with my scholars regarding the uniqueness of families and with great success! I strongly believe that the best approach to confronting gender inequity is to treat everyone with respect regardless of their sexual orientation. However, I've noticed that other parents and some teachers have difficulty adopting this reality.It makes handling of their difference appear "weird" or "wrong" the eyes of young students. What more can be done to create an environment of "normalcy" for all students and their families?
Solution: (Rates are posted for this solution!)
Okay so just some background on myself so I can show this side of the argument. I am a transgender gay man who is engaged with a transgender man. The thing is, some parents just won't accept it. I've experienced intellegent older people who are parents dismiss me for simply existing as who I am. The most important thing is to have exemplary people of that culture represent themselves in the community. That way- parents and kids can take it as they see it. The most important thing is to teach kids tolerance. Parents we have no say over, so it's more critical to have the kids more comfortable.
If you feel a communal meal is okay with this social group, then go for it. It boils down to who they are and how they will react. Because some parents will try to sue the schools for being too inclusive.

Anyways I hope this helps, this is just from personal experience.
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: Thank you for sharing personal experience! I understand that some people will just not accept it and will cause problems. I would love to have a communal meal in my classroom and hope this might open some people to uncomfortable topics.
Rated On: October 16, 2017 12:16 am
Rated By: eHuPas
 
     
     
  Rating
The suggested solution is respectful of the individual (student) Yes
The suggested solution is relevant to the case Yes
The suggested solution is reasonable (easy) for the teacher to implement Yes
The suggested solution is likely to solve the problem/issue Yes
The suggested solution is original Yes
Comments: it is nice hearing an opinion from someone who understands this and experiences situations like this in their everyday life.
Rated On: March 7, 2021 11:54 am
Rated By: turyhu