Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

Your 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

Everyone should have the same rights and opportunities as others. Who gives us the rights to show acts of discrimination toward another human-being sexual orientation? Individuals should have the right of freedom to do or be whatever they choose. Freedom is to have equal opportunity in any degree one chooses. It is not all about religion, gender or the color of your skin. If individuals no matter whether they are gay or lesbian have a license and is quality to teach, then they should be recognized in doing so. Young children are a quick learner, and if they have never been around people of different sexual orientation; they will have the opportunity to ask and answer questions. Gay or lesbian should be treated the same as any other citizen in the US. They should have the opportunity to work in any environment such as early childhood setting, without any act of discrimination, harassment or prejudgment. Some people believe that gay men and lesbians should not be allowed to hold certain positions such as teacher, foster parent, soldier, counselor, religious leader, or police officer because they are irresponsible (Harris, 2011). But, I think they have the right to hold any positions that they are qualified to hold.

How you would respond to a parent/family member who informed you they did not want anyone who is perceived (or self-reported) homosexual or transgender to be caring for, educating, and/or interacting with their child

I cannot imagine the pains that lesbians and gays may go through every day. Lesbians and gays are still facing stress, fear, emotional problem, anger, etc. because of the way they are being treated within the society. Since I believe that everybody should have an equal opportunity in life, I will listen to whatever concerns the family may have. I will provide families with different resources about different sexual orientation and answer questions to the best of my ability. I will try to make them understand that everyone has the rights to choose what they want in life and to give them a fair chance. At some point in our lives, people that show prejudice and discriminate against other citizens may realize that putting a stop to it can decrease the crime rate, and harm that it can cause others. Young children learn all about sexual orientation through role plays, books, toys, creations, imaginations, social interactions and the world around them. Unless adults guide young children the right way, they can develop discrimination and adverse reactions from being around people who behave in unfamiliar ways (Derman-Sparks & Edwards, 2010). Also, sexual orientation should be discussed with young children and families in an age appropriate and respectful matter.

References

Derman-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J. O. (2010). Anti-bias education for young children and ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Harris, S. (2009, Winter) Child Rights Information Network (CRIN). Discrimination: Briefing on age discrimination. Retrieved from http://www.crin.org/resources/infoDetail.asp?ID=20940