National Coming-Out Day October 11th
Title: Five Ways to Support National Coming Out Day
Source/Author/Date: Teaching Tolerance, by Grace Manger on October 10th 2016
URL Link: http://www.tolerance.org/blog/five-ways-support-national-coming-out-day
Relevance: October 11th is now a nation wide event in which individuals that identify as part of the LGBTQ community are encouraged to openly express how they identify. This is a very courageous action that...
many people struggle with, especially students. Students are going through internal reflections and external pressures encouraging them to act a certain way. It is important as educators to encourage a safe environment and protection for students who may identify as LGBTQ and wish to come out on the national day.
Key Points: There are 5 things teachers can do to support students and promote a safe classroom environment. 1) Come out as an ally. 2) Establish your classroom as a safe space for LGBTQ students. 3) Incorporate LGBTQ issues into your curriculum and dialogues. 4) Do your research and advocate for positive change. 5) Ask your out students what they need.
I work in an elementary school and while I do not see "coming out" as something that our students know much about it is interesting to think of. I completely agree with the five supports teachers can provide in classrooms. I also think that along with teaching about disabilities and acceptance, sexual identification is another issue we need to discuss with students. This is something that has been more present in the media and I believe that children need to receive correct information to then form their own views. Great article!
ReplyDeleteI think this is great for students to feel the support they need to find their identity. I do wish that some day we could go beyond labeling people because of their gender, ethnicity, or sexual preference, and just get to know the person for who they are.
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