LGBQ Parents & Schools

I believe there are many things that can be done to make schools a safer, more inclusive space for children of parents in the LGBTQ community, as well as students who identify as LGBTQ.  First and foremost I think education of staff is a necessary foundation.  So much of the discrimination comes from fear and ignorance, both of which can be eliminated through education. There needs to be educational programs geared towards educational staff on the challenges and stressors that children of LGBTQ parents face within the social context.  According to one study published in Sage Journals, "Supportive classroom teachers can make a difference in improving school climate for marginalized LGBTQ students."  This is so important for children to know in the face of adversity, someone has their back and will support them, often it's these connections with others that have the biggest impact in their lives.  It's especially important for the school environment to be a safe place as children attend it almost every day and often for those who don't have a safe space elsewhere, school is the only place they have left.  Children cannot be expected to learn proficiently if they are worrying about their daily safety and the harassment coming from staff and/or their peers.  It has also been said that "teacher training related to inclusion of LGBTQ students and students with LGBTQ parents is important in creating opportunities for equal access to quality learning experiences"(Mayo, 2014; Ngo, 2003; Puchner & Klein, 2011; Szalacha, 2004).  After all, this is the end goal, equal educational opportunity for all children, and the chance to grow and learn in a safe space.  

 Resources: Examination of LGBTQ-inclusive strategies used by practicing music educators    

Comments

  1. VickyJune 24, 2019 at 1:21 PM

    Crystal, I honestly enjoyed reading your post! I also mentioned in my post that first off, faculty and staff needs the proper training and education of LGBT children and family before given the opportunity to teach in a classroom. I found a post that stated how a study was done where students responded saying that the source of negative comments about the LGBT community comes from school staff. I agree that
    within a supportive classroom, teachers can make a difference in improving the lives of LGBTQ students.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Alissa CochranJune 24, 2019 at 6:30 PM

    Crystal, great post! I agree that the process of schools becoming safer for LGBTQ families starts with educated teachers and having them go through courses. I just started a new job which is completely outside of the education/child development field, although we had a whole training over equality and LGBTQ individuals. This is important no matter where you're at, but especially when working with children. They should always feel as though they're in a safe space and that they aren't being judged just as much as their family isn't being judged. I love that you mentioned equal opportunity for all students!

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