Friday, November 15, 2013
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
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Hi Ida,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that everyone should have the same rights and opportunities,irrespective of their sexual preference. Being homosexual has no bearing on their professional life just like being heterosexual has no impact on how I am as person. The sooner different concepts are introduced the better it is for children's holistic development. True inclusion will help children avoid discrimination or developing bias.
Best,
Sonali
Hi Ida,
ReplyDeleteIt is very important that as an early childhood teacher we help all children develop a positive identity, regardless of what your own beliefs are. Even if none of the children came from families with gay or lesbian parents. It can still be important to acknowledge the existence of families with gay and lesbian parents, so that children are prepared to be respectful when they do meet people who are lesbian or gay (Laureate Education, 2012). I think what’s wrong with our society is that we feel what we believe everyone else has to believe it to. I agree that young children are fast learners and are very accepting at an early age. Your blog is very inspiring and I am glad to know that our young children have you on their side. Good job
Kathleen
"Start Seeing Diversity: Sexual Orientation” 2012, Laureate Media Inc.,
I love your comment about everyone having the same rights and opportunities! I also like how you mentioned that if children don't know they will ask. As a parent myself I would have no problem explaining to my child why families are different. I think we want children and their families to fell welcome and comfortable in a child care facility so we give they an equal opportunity to show their family and how much they are loved. I like that you would provide the families with different resources. This is an option that I did not think about. Great post and ideas!
ReplyDeleteIda,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading through your blog post. You are so right when you say that children are quick learners and that they will have an opportunity to ask questions to people of different sexual orientations. My students have picked up on so much this year from me, both academically and socially. They are also not afraid to speak what is on their mind or ask questions if there is something that they do not understand. I thought that your response to the second question was very well thought-out, especially in that you are willing to provide families with resources or answer their questions to the best of your ability. Thank you for sharing!
Ida,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100%. Everyone should be have the same rights to teach children no matter what their sexuality is. Just because a person believe in a different sexuality as most people, that doesn't mean that they are not going to do right by the children. We have to educate all of our teachers and also our families about this topic. No one wants families to feel uncomfortable about having gay and lesbians as teachers. I feel that it's nothing wrong with it because that's the life they chose to live. We all have to give them a chance in the society and the work place.