Title: For Gay and Transgender Teens, Will It Get
Better?
By: Jenna Wortham
Sept. 8th, 2016
New
York Times
Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/11/magazine/for-gay-and-transgender-teens-will-it-get-better.html?ref=magazine
Key points: This
article emphasizes the existing illusion in society that there is liberation
and acceptance for people to be who they are. Even though there was the Supreme Court decision
for same-sex marriage, there is still an immense amount of work to be done in
society. The Center for Disease Control
and Prevention revealed national survey results from 15,600 high school
students who are considered sexual-minority youth. The results show that teenagers identifying
as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, experience and suffer greater levels of harassment
and sexual abuse than those who identify as straight. Social media presents problems as well; it
can be both a positive and negative source for students. Also, the writer interviewed gay and queer teenagers,
and included some of their experiences in the article.
Relevance: The
sad reality is that heterosexual students face harassment and sexual abuse as
well. When looking at the tragic statistics though, it further supports why
action and leadership are needed to make positive change in school experiences
for sexual-minority students. It is
critical that these issues are addressed, that there are resources available to
students, and it is vital that educators create safe and inclusive environments
for students. Teachers can influence
classroom environments, and school staff as a whole, can take positive action
steps together for our students.
Audience: Students, parents, educators, and administrators
This is purely anecdotal but I have a student in my class who identifies as gay and is very outspoken about his life when we are discussing social issues, life challenges, adult support in our lives etc. To my continuing surprise, no one in our class questions him, makes fun of him, whispers or laughs. I do not think that this student has an easy life nor do I think he lives without harassment. There has clearly been a significant change in the past ten years in our society. We have plenty of work left to do but I would suggest that there has never been a better time to be gay or transgender.
ReplyDeleteAmy, I liked how you stated heterosexual students also face harassment and abuse, however, I do not believe it is to the same extent as gay, lesbian and transgender students. You were right to say there needs to be leadership and actions taken to improve the quality of school life for sexual minority students. Although there is more work to be done, I do believe sexual-minority students are being treated better in the school system and society. A close member of my family identifies as female and faced horrendous treatment growing up. Thinking about her stories and experiences helps me to remember as educators we need to be open to all of our students. We need to make school a safe place for them to come and learn.
ReplyDeleteAmy, I was drawn to the part in your review where you mention that social media can be either both a positive and negative source for students in the sexual minority. Of course, social media has pros and cons for everyone, but heterosexual students aren't subjected to bashing and hateful language because of their sexual orientation. While I am sure it is a place for people who feel "othered" to connect, it is also a place where hate crimes can flourish and the effects of that on a student...I can't even imagine.
ReplyDelete