why lgbtq representation matters in school

How can educators optimize project-based learning experiences. Why Representation Matters in Kids' Media | Common Sense Media People realized a lot of things about their gender and sexuality., Oviya closes by saying that For the most part I feel safe and respected walking into the classroom, but then again Im not completely out to everybody. Opinion: The Importance of LGBTQ Representation in Media Nonbinary characters can be similarly difficult to find in media even though shows such as The Owl House and Our Flag Means Death are helping correct thisresulting in plenty of people growing up without ever having heard the term, let alone realizing it may apply to them. What's the World Economic Forum doing about diversity, equity and inclusion? Many Asian Americans and other people of color often struggle with their racial and ethnic identity developmentwith many citing how a lack of media representation negatively impacts their self-esteem and overall views of their racial or cultural groups. Its a constant issue, and if one has the privilege of not experiencing what members of the community do on a daily basis then they will never truly understand what goes on behind the scenes. Marvel Studios has made their LGBTQ characters villainous on multiple occasions. Finally, parents and teachers can be more intentional in ensuring that their children and students always feel seen and validated. We know representation matters in other aspects of our society. While Brazil, like any other place, is beleaguered by problems of queer representation, it might also provide a blueprint for improvement. Relatedly, taking Ethnic Studies courses can be valuable in helping students to develop a critical consciousness that is culturally relevant to their lives. Research shows having LGBTQ storylines in the classroom affects all students positively, not just those who think they may be LGBTQ.. GLSEN creates safe and inclusive schools for all. June 6The Athletics are leaving Oakland. The report also found that LGBTQ+ students attending schools with an inclusive curriculum were less likely to miss school, performed better academically, and were more likely to continue their education beyond high school. 4 Stages of Adult Development: Where Are You? Seven states (as of 2023) incorporate curricular standards that include affirming visibility of LBGTQ+ communities, according to a GLSEN review. We know equity-focused leadership matters too. Every 45 seconds, one LGBTQ+ young person attempts suicide, and more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth consider suicide at some point. For more details, review our .chakra .wef-12jlgmc{-webkit-transition:all 0.15s ease-out;transition:all 0.15s ease-out;cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:none;color:inherit;font-weight:700;}.chakra .wef-12jlgmc:hover,.chakra .wef-12jlgmc[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.chakra .wef-12jlgmc:focus,.chakra .wef-12jlgmc[data-focus]{box-shadow:0 0 0 3px rgba(168,203,251,0.5);}privacy policy. Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment. However, because they never played Filipino characters (e.g., Carrere was Chinese American in Wayne's World) or their racial identities remained unaddressed (e.g., Basco as Rufio in Hook), I did not know for certain that they were Filipino American like me. Theremay be more queer characters than ever before, but improvingLGBTQ+ representationremains just as important in media. Still, its dispiriting that, when it comes to representation, we see queer folks in some areas but not in othersas the choreographers and makeup artists behind the stage but never on it. LGBTQ people, especially youth, face certain challenges and experiences that make us more likely to develop eating disorders, like fear of social or family rejection, internalized negativity about our identities, and more. The macho look (think Ricky Martin) is still very much praised within queer circles, as are certain stereotypes around femininity. NEW YORK, NY (November 9th, 2017) Tuesday night, history was made as numerous LGBTQ candidates, women, and people of color were elected to office. And thats a conversation worth demanding year after yeareven after the confetti of Pride has settled. GLSEN's progress and impact have won support for inclusive schools at all levels of education in the United States and sparked an international movement to ensure equality for LGBTQ students and respect for all in schools. Posted December 27, 2021 And its time that our education system approaches it as such by making the space and providing the resources needed for teaching the next generation a more inclusive and just version of history.. Across the study's sample of sexual or gender minority (SGM)13- to 17-year-olds, 91% reported at least one experience of bias-based bullying, more than double the estimates in non-SGM samples (36% to 40%). It was only a few weeks into teaching when I experienced homophobia not directed at myself, but between my students. It'sstill an unfortunately uncommon occurrence whenever queerness is authentically shown in movies or television. Specifically, LGBTQ students who go to a school with a GSA on campus reported they were bullied less often on points aside from their gender or sexual orientation. "I now have more inspiration from one election than I've ever had in my 17 years of life. Why Queer Representation Matters - New America Whether you can support students on their LGBTQ identity, educate others on race or ethnicity, or dispel myths on disabilities. Starting with an increased awareness surrounding language used in everyday conversations to ensure that it does not reinforce heternormative views of identity is crucial. While variations such as LGBT or LGBTQ are often used, many advocates argue that the addition of the "plus" is important and should not be overlooked. Our latest K-12 Dive Trendline takes a closer look at how educators are addressing social-emotional learning amid pushback from policymakers and ongoing demand from employers. Representation can serve as opportunities for minoritized people to find community support and validation. A government that works for everybody won.. Representation in educational curricula and social media can provide validation and support, especially for youth of marginalized groups. Representation matters, too. Everyone should get a chance to see themselves on screen. Far too often, students of color feel isolated, underrepresented or mistreated, which leads to lower graduation and higher dropout rates. Get the help you need from a therapist near youa FREE service from Psychology Today. Research shows teachers of color have a powerful and lasting impact beyond their classroom. Educating all students regardless of sexual orientation always proves to be beneficial. Creating a more inclusive environment on campus and in higher education can come from many different places - both from staff who identify as LGBTQ and are prepared to be "out" in the . From experience I knew that there were so many factors that can affect a young persons school life, which is why I wanted to be a somebody that could help, especially as an LGBTQ teacher. Think of the value of multicultural literature that invites readers of all ages to expand their understanding of cultures other than their own. It is a joy to see a trans woman defeat an opponent who termed himself the homophobe-in-chief in VA. While there was some comfort in seeing them navigate their coming out processes or overcome heterosexism on screen, their storylines often appeared unrealisticat least in comparison to the nuanced homophobia I observed in my religious, immigrant family. Historical and Collective Trauma Among LGBTQ+ People, How to Talk With Your Kids About Traumatic Events, Making History During Filipino American History Month. It was a little more difficult over Zoom, and both I and the GSA sent out an email urging everyone to add their pronouns on Zoom calls. In this way, representation can allow students of color to personally connect to school, potentially making their educational pursuits more meaningful. A school culture that is free from bias and limitation benefits all students. We could definitely improve when it comes to being more LGBTQ+ inclusive in a lot of things., She also mentions, When we have conversations about equity, a lot of marginalized communities get mentioned which is so important, but sometimes the LGBT community is not brought up in these conversations. Reviewed by Ekua Hagan. , Health teacher, articulates the importance of LGBTQ+ education, I think that representation matters it is super important for the well-being of the individual to feel like they matter and that they have value and that they are equally deserving of finding out about their health., , the Equity and Instruction Chair, echos Larsons emphasis on representation, stating, [I]t is really important for students of all ages to see themselves reflected in the curriculum that they study and for students to think that they can be anything and do anything because they see somebody like themselves.. June 22, 2018. Why LGBTQ+ representation matters in youth literature Knowing that someone has had a similar experience to you, that they can identify with what youre going through and will understand and offer advice if you choose confine in is such a relief. Love won. Whether this be through sources used for lessons, lesson plans themselves, and even the population of the school it all has a huge impact on the students comprehension of LGBTQ+ issues, history, and significance in everyday life. And encountering people whose experiences differ from their own expands kids worldview and develops empathy. This came after years of swapping a preferred neutral appearance for long hair, short skirts conforming to be somebody who felt less and less like me. Another year, another confetti-filled flurry of Pride Month celebrationsmeaning that talk of representation is on the tips of many tongues in queer communities. More diverse media not only better reflects real life, it can also lead to more interesting stories by incorporating different kinds of characters, experiences, and conflicts. And because the internet was not readily accessible (nor fully informational) until my late adolescence, I could not easily find out. Why the "Plus" Matters . When teacher leaders are involved in schoolwide decision-making processes and sit on instructional leadership teams led by their principals, student performance improves. There are more LGBTQ+ characters in stories than ever before, but despite such progress, queer representation in media is just as important as ever. Not only will this educate students, but it will allow members of the community to feel safe and validated while stepping into the classroom. This is true for all kinds of characters, but queer content often faces even greater difficulty just making iton screen. Some students have been misgendered because of this, but there was an apology and the teacher corrected themself., When discussing the circumstances of online school, Hanna brings up a wide spread realization. For LGBTQ+ folks, oftentimes, these identities are actualized during the teen years. This difference is called the representation gap in school leadership. Filipino American actors like Ernie Reyes, Nia Peeples, Dante Basco, and Tia Carrere looked like they could be my cousins. Please read with caution. A unified measure of LGBTQ representation can be a motivating force for accountability and greater cultural acceptance. Many Disney villains fall under this category, often displaying characteristics considered stereotypically queer in order to better paint them as different from the heroes. Discover what is motivating Haven Academy for next year. I See Me: Representation of LGBTQ+ Teachers in the Classroom Being able to recognize what they have gone through on-screen, perhaps without ever having tried to put it in words before, can be an incredibly liberating experience. Literature has supported how positive LGBTQ media representation helped transform public opinions about LGBTQ people and their rights. This is especially true for students of color and students from communities with lower incomes. Why Visibility Matters | Psychology Today Australia 75. https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/75 Diversity in the Classroom: Why Representation Matters And yet, what were talking about here isnt merely entertainmentat issue is how the rich tapestry of experiences long enjoyed by queer people continues to be dismissed. Key points Positive media representation can be helpful in increasing self-esteem for people of marginalized groups (especially youth). We clearly need to do more to help LGBTQ+ young . Having a diverse teacher workforce connects cultures, sets high expectations, and reduces implicit bias. Prejudice against the LGBTQ+ community can have terrible effects on those it targets, especially queer youth. Knowing that I wanted to change this, I approached our Head Teacher and asked to set up and LGBTQ support group, shortly after, my students hosted awareness events and fundraised for the LGBTQ charity Stonewall, encouraging a huge sense of pride amongst the school. That same article discusses LGBTQ+ history, writing that LGBTQ+ history is American history and world history. When materials used in classes are representative of LGBTQ students, they can help to "create an equitable learning environment," according to a 2015 study in "Equity & Excellence in Education." More so, students surveyed for the study reported seeing themselves represented in curriculum helped overall to build "a supportive school climate." Even down to the confidence they show in the classroom, in casual conversation, they seem more relaxed and happier than ever. Representation gaps exist in classrooms across the country too. Heres everything you need to know about the World Economic Forums Annual Meeting, 2 years of growth in the trillion trees movement, How to protect your company from cyber attack - the Global Cybersecurity Outlook at Davos 2022, 7 experts explain why it's important to pay fairer wages and how to do it, Sharan Burrow, Sangheon Lee, Reema Nanavaty, Rachel Cowburn-Walden, Bettina Schaller, Annie Koh and Anna Thomas, Is it time for the 4-day work week? We envision a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or expression. What is the impact of ones mindset on success? Why Representation Matters in Our Schools, half of all students in K-12 public schools identify as people of color, great school principals build great schools, research shows higher student achievement, Black and Hispanic students are better represented in gifted programs, school culture that is free from bias and limitation, increase the likelihood of Black students attending college and decrease the likelihood of dropping out of high school, teachers of color leaving the profession at higher rates, Promote a mindset in all members of their team that all children can learn at exceedingly high levels, Create an inclusive environment that allows all faculty, staff, parents, and students to feel safe, valued, cared for, and seen, Provide all students access to effective, high-quality curricula that are both academically rigorous and culturally responsive/relevant, Create systems and structures that equitably distribute resources, Consider the impact of their decision-making and policies on historically marginalized groups, Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod. Bank Street Graduate School of Education joins us in expanding access to our National Aspiring Principals Fellowship. Clear social and business implications While the LGBTQ community is quickly growing in scale, we are also seeing the impact of media representation on cultural acceptance. Because there were so few media images of people who looked like me, I distinctly remember the joy and validation that emerged when I did see those representations. His lived experience shapes how he leads and how he elevates the needs of all students. Growing up I didnt have any queer role models to look to. In this lesson, students will learn about LGBTQ history spanning from the Roman Empire to the year 2016 by participating in a human timeline activity. I trained with the education charity Teach First and was selected to work in a community that really needs more great teachers. According to an in depth article on the lack of sex education in schools, author Hannah Slater states, Currently, sex-education standards vary widely across the country, leaving many American youth uninformed about basic anatomy, healthy relationship skills, and safer sex practices., With countless students uneducated on the safety precautions of homosexual sex, not only can this serve as a danger to their health, but it can also lead to bullying. The study noted LGBTQ curriculum was typically taught via stand-alone opportunities in history and social studies classes. And indeed corruption and fascism are on the rise all across the planet. The discussion on pronouns, gender identities, and so much more deserves proper recognition and attention in schools. Sign up for Bustle UK's twice-weekly newsletter, featuring the latest must-watch TV, moving personal stories, and expert advice on the hottest viral buys. Because stories of tragic events bombard kids, it is crucial to talk with them and help them process their emotions. Many asexual people have grown up believing there was something wrong with them without ever understanding why, and there are unfortunately veryfew instances of good ace representation in media where the label is explicitly stated and explained. Why LGBTQ Representation In Schools Is So Vital, According To A Queer Teacher by Tyler Hunter Oct. 4, 2019 Tyler Hunter When I was seventeen I was spat on in the street for having short. Now that were aware of the lack of LGBTQ+ education in schools and how it has been impacting students and the community as a whole, we are left with an underlying question of: How do we fix it? Jenny Durkan became the first lesbian mayor of Seattle and Andrea Jenkins became the first out trans person of color to be elected to a major US city's council. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Bernadette Whitely, Editor-in-Chief | Creative Director | In-Depth Editor. Many viewers, as well as the show's creator, have speculated that Disney's decision to end the series was related to its positive portrayals of queer characters and relationships, and it follows similar issues that shows like Steven Universe faced with some episodes being censored at times. Same-sex marriage has been legalized since 2015, but the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender, (LGBT) community still faces severe discrimination and harassment. At the end of the day, all schools should include LGBTQ+ education in their curriculum in order to build trust, respect, and a safe environment for all students regardless of how they identify. Why Visibility Matters | Psychology Today It helps me remember that I can do anything, despite AND because of my identity.. An LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum may not only help LGBTQ students feel they are reflected in materials used in their school or classroom, but also help to play a role in reducing bullying and stigma by creating, When materials used in classes are representative of LGBTQ students, they can help to create an equitable learning environment, according to a 2015 study in , One option could be to include storybooks in classroom libraries in younger grades that reflect multiple family structures, including LGBTQ-headed families,while another could be to hold high school classroom discussions about how self-identification can be empowering,according to, How gay-straight alliances reduce school bullying, Star-Spangled Bans: The cost of censoring Americas schools, 4 educators detail why their schools are banning student cell phones, 4 ways educators are configuring AI for classroom use, Ed Dept doubles down on Title IX LGBTQ+ protections in pronoun case, Student participation in school meal program dips after universal meals end, Strategic Partnerships and Financing Expedite Climate Goals, 5 Steps for Creating an Educational Environment That Supports Student Success, Social-emotional learning in todays classrooms, NYC students turn the trauma of gun violence into action, Nearly 60 Houston ISD principals seek to opt into New Education System model, reform program under superintendent, Iowa approves more than 17,000 education savings accounts applications, Overcoming Top MTSS Challenges to Better Serve All Students, Summer Reading: Book bans and curriculum wars spread amid K-12 politicization, Gen Z values education but doesnt think a 4-year degree is the only option. .chakra .wef-facbof{display:inline;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-facbof{display:block;}}You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails. The importance of LGBTQ+ inclusive education in schools Student achievement gains are also linked to teacher leadership. I'm the Editor-in-Chief and the Creative Director of The Spectrum. This is especially true when lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) teens are not supported by their family. Netflix's Heartstopper,on the other hand, provided a more thoughtful and accurate portrayal of bisexuality with Nick's coming out. Why LGBTQ+ Education Matters - The Spectrum From "safe space" stickers on classroom doors, the large pride flag displayed directly across from the science wing entrance, to the multitude of LGBTQ+ affinity groups, our community has made efforts to make school a safe space for LGBTQ+ folks. Psychology Today 2023 Sussex Publishers, LLC, Filipino American Artists, Academics, and Activists. When asked about the sex ed curriculum in the iSchool, students had a lot to say about their experiences and observations.

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