Case
LGBTQ Families in Elementary..... Equality for All?

During the first week on school I led my students in an ice breaker activity. The name of the activity is simply titled Introductions. I gave each student a 3x5 index card and instructed each student to write 1 unique thing about themselves and 4 other things they wanted others to know about them on the card with their names on it. Students were to choose anything they wanted to share, free from judgment. I found that this activity opened the doors for students to open up about themselves. Once complete, the cards were dropped in a bin and one student I selected came up to pull a card. It was through this activity that I learned I had two students with LGBTQ parents. To date, both sets of same gender parents are active within the school and in my classroom. I have had social talks with my scholars regarding the uniqueness of families and with great success! I strongly believe that the best approach to confronting gender inequity is to treat everyone with respect regardless of their sexual orientation. However, I've noticed that other parents and some teachers have difficulty adopting this reality.It makes handling of their difference appear "weird" or "wrong" the eyes of young students. What more can be done to create an environment of "normalcy" for all students and their families?

Posted on: 10/18/15 | Views: 1363
Solution #1
Top Solution
I think that the Code of Ethics and Professionalism would prevent teachers/staff from making it apparent that they have social conflicts with the parents of students. Administration should communicate expectations to all faculty/staff at the beginning of the school year in pre-planning. For the students, consider including these discussions in general character education. When discussing that everyone deserves respect, make sure to specifically mention variations of student differences- physical, cognitive, social, etc.
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Solution #2
While LGBTQ is a touchy subject these days in schools and in everyday life, it needs to be said that making a point to show that this community is not excluded. This community of people share all the same likes and dislikes as a straight couple or "normal" community. The fact is they just sleep with the same gender at night. This fact does not effect anything other than someone's small mindedness. I suggest having a family night for your class. The theme should focus on family and the world we occupy. To make it fun encourage families to show where they come from by having food available to eat. Food is an easy way to bring people together because everyone loves free food. While the families are there make sure there are fliers, pamphlet's, and informational trifold for the families to take home and reflect on. Plan a skit or little show that would be fun for the children to do. When children show no fear in the unknown it helps parents see that they are all the same. They are all parents regardless.
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Solution #3
I think ice breaker activities are a great way to get to know your students and for them to get to know their peers. I believe that with respect and complete understanding the parents will feel more comfortable.

I agree that icebreaker activities can help students with talking about their family.

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Solution #4
Okay so just some background on myself so I can show this side of the argument. I am a transgender gay man who is engaged with a transgender man. The thing is, some parents just won't accept it. I've experienced intellegent older people who are parents dismiss me for simply existing as who I am. The most important thing is to have exemplary people of that culture represent themselves in the community. That way- parents and kids can take it as they see it. The most important thing is to teach kids tolerance. Parents we have no say over, so it's more critical to have the kids more comfortable. If you feel a communal meal is okay with this social group, then go for it. It boils down to who they are and how they will react. Because some parents will try to sue the schools for being too inclusive. Anyways I hope this helps, this is just from personal experience.
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Solution #5
Universal Design for Learning suggests that engagement is a critical element of providing an inclusive classroom for all students and families. This includes families that come from LGBTQ populations. The first thing I think of is using materials that represent people from diverse backgrounds. Literature and class lessons can include LGBTQ characters or topics.
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Solution #6
I've often wondered how I will handle this when I come across it. I think your of ice breakers are the answer to your own question. Allowing the student to open up and talk about what they are comfortable saying, takes the awkwardness out of the air. There's no particular way to act, they are just two other parents and should be treated so.
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Solution #7
I think that the best solution would be for you to talk about with normalcy. Unfortunately, every person has different views about families, and the LGBTQ community. Although you can not change what other people think, you can show respect and tolerance towards your student and his family. Educate with the example! =)
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Solution #8
You cannot always change peoples views but what you can do is make sure that all of the students respect each other and if they have nothing nice to say that they do not say it at all. It is important to inform them that everyone is equal.
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Solution #9
I also agree that this should be normalized. There are going to be people that are not going to accept it, no matter what. My aunts have been in a committed relationship over half my life (32 years) so for me it is normal. I was exposed and grew up around that type of relationship. To me, it is no different than the feeling I had in the heterosexual relationship I was in. You are not going to change the opinions of someone that is set in their ways, but that is not your job. Your job is to teach these kids that it in a lot more common and try to establish normalcy.
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Solution #10
I would just treat them as you would treat anyone else. Students will watch and learn that their situation is normal.
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Solution #11
The most you can do to create normalcy is to respect everyone's opinion regardless if it is weird.
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Solution #12
I think that having same gender parents is beginning to be a very open thing. I teach in a small, rural area in the south and seeing a same gender couple is rare. There would be several parents that would have an "issue" with this going on around their own children. I have personally had a conversation with a parent that did make a snide remark about same gender couples, and I told them that everyone is entitled to an opinion and an option to not be a part of events at school. I also believe that educating the students if there is ever a remark made would be beneficial.
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Solution #13
All parents should be made aware of all parent volunteers that will be working directly with students. This way parents are aware of everyone that will be involved with their child without the teacher blatantly stating that some parents are same sex couples. Then, if a parent has a problem with specific individuals being in contact with his or her child, it will the parent's responsibility to make the teacher aware of the problem.
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