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Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

       My response to those who believe that early childhood centers should avoid the inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian individuals such as same-sex partnered families would help engage children in learning and knowing about gay and lesbian individuals. In today’s society there are so many individuals that are coming out the closet and living together and getting married.  Many of our children are becoming confused, seeing women engaging with women and men engaging with men.  As a parent, I would sit down and let my child know that many children have same sex families and even though they may experience discrimination, they are still considered a family.  As stated in the media segment, many families consist of two women, single parent, two men or foster parents, but they still care and nurture their child/children just like any other parent.  They are always there when you need them, a shoulder to lean on and an arm to carry you.  Many children are explore to this a school, mall, movies, radio and even television shows, that’s the reason why we need to sit our children down and let them know what’s happening in the world and what to expect. As stated in the text, some states recommend high schools to establish policies protecting gay and lesbian youth from harassment and violence; teachers and counselors being able to receive professional development to respond to the needs of the students and also establish a support group, so topics can be talked about (Pelo, 2008).

       My response to a parent/family who informed me that they did not want anyone who is perceived homosexual or transgender to be caring for, educating, and/or interacting with their child is to let them know that it’s all about the job and not about the person’s beliefs.  I live in a fairly small community and the school district does not discriminate a person of who they are, it’s all about what you can teach my child and your qualifications.  I would love to sit down with this family and listen to what they have to say and explain to them it’s all about education and we need to support our children.  We need to find out why so many families fall out with individuals that are perceived to be homosexual/transgender, if we would listen, we’ll probably learn something.

Reference

Pelo, A. (2008).  Rethinking Early Childhood Education.