Sexual Orientation in Education January 30th 2017

Definitions In the context of our course, sexual orientation refers to the sex or gender to which individuals are attracted to. There are several categories to which people identify themselves in, namely heterosexuality, homosexuality (now also referred to as non-heterosexual), bisexuality, asexuality (no attraction), and even other more specific sub-categories such as pansexual (attracted to people who do not identify as a particular gender) or polysexual (attracted to multiple genders).

Intersectional Approach Theory Intersectionality is the concept that multiple identities (lesbian, gay, bisexual, asexual, and so on) intersect to create a “whole” or “complete piece” that is different from the individual identities. The identities that intersect can include gender, race, social class, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, mental illness, and physical illness as well as other forms of identity.

Examples A heterosexual, autistic girl. A black, bisexual, male in a wheelchair. An Aboriginal/First Nations/Native polysexual female. As these individuals are diverse, society is thus diverse as it is mixed with a mash up of people who are any combination of the above listed examples, and more.

Intersectionality Continued These aspects of identity are not “unitary, mutually exclusive entities, but rather…reciprocally constructing phenomena” (Banks and Banks, 2009). The theory of Intersectionality proposes that we think of each person’s trait as linked with everyone else’s particularities in order to fully understand one's identity. In other words, considering our own identity is the first step to understanding others, yet is not sufficient to understand our place in the world. We must combine what we know about ourselves with what we know about others in order to learn the value we hold as people.

Laws in Canada Canada has emerged as one of the most progressive Western countries in recognizing basic human rights of sexual minorities, including equal partner benefits, equal adoption and foster-parenting rights, non-discriminatory workplace policies, inclusive health care, and the legalization of same-sex marriage. Despite these measures of progress, individuals are still discriminated against on the basis of their actual or perceived sexual orientation.

Some Interesting Laws Elsewhere.. “School-to-Prison-Pipeline”: Zero-tolerance policies in schools have led to a significant increase in disciplinary actions that involve law enforcement officers. A school district in Mississippi has police arrest students for minor classroom disruptions, and a school district in Alabama has a police officer on campus in all high schools. Racial minorities and children with disabilities are often subjected to this institutional system of structural inequality disproportionately to white and able-bodied children.

Ways to be Aware Sexual orientation and gender identity enrich multicultural education and LGBTQ communities by teaching young people that differences are to be valued. This is as important as including students who come from various backgrounds. In the same way, we should include diverse cultures/religions/ethnicities.

Tips to Help Do not enforce/imply that gender conformity is necessary. In other words, do not assume heterosexuality in your classroom. Include images of and references to LGBTQ individuals in your classroom. Or, at least, as equally as you represent any other sexuality. This is equally as important as including diverse cultures/religions/ethnicities.

Gender-Neutral Language Changing sentences to plural will often fix this: Example: Each participant must present his ID badge at the door.
Revised: All participants must present their ID badges at the door.

Continued Use neutral words like individual or one. Example: The stage manager must delegate all the tasks; he is therefore responsible for the show's success.
Revised: The stage manager must delegate all the tasks; this individual is therefore responsible for the show's success.

Continued Eliminate the pronoun altogether. Example: The incumbent is expected to edit a variety of documents. He must also prepare weekly updates.
Revised: The incumbent is required to edit a variety of documents and prepare weekly updates. Source: Government of Canada, Guidelines for gender- neutral language. Link: https://www.noslangues-ourlanguages.gc.ca/bien- well/fra-eng/style/nonsexistguidelines-eng.html

Conclusions Schools need to move beyond just protecting students and educators from harassment and bullying along the lines of gender and sexual orientation. The roles of teachers and all school officials need to be adapted. This means moving from the above traditions that have for too long dominated school culture and administrative practice in particular.

A Useful Resource https://books.google.ca/books?hl=en&lr=&id=e1IT bOA2jhQC&oi=fnd&pg=PA159&dq=sexual+orient ation+diversity+in+curriculum&ots=8yl5UCQ- Sa&sig=mrJjumhjzz2nQ5cKBKg8SceaMfE#v=one page&q=sexual%20orientation%20diversity%20in% 20curriculum&f=false

Discussion Questions How can schools and teachers be more open to sexual and gender diversity in their classrooms? What does intersectionality mean? Many people think of LGBTQ issues only in terms of harassment and abuse. Why is it a problem to only think of it in this context?