Creating an LGBTQ Inclusive Classroom

LGBTQ Inclusive Schools are Better for All Students

Ross Dunbar

Teacher, Skyline High School

Workshop for Teachers on September 3, 2015

Why? 100% of All Students Benefit

Research studies show that creating a supportive environment for LGBTQ students improves the educational outcomes for all students, not just those who may identify as LGBTQ. (Southern Poverty Law Center, 2015)

It’s not about “liberal politics”—it’s about ensuring an equal opportunity in public education for all students.

All educators, regardless of their personal beliefs, have an obligation to support all students.

Why Else? The Fierce Urgency of Now

41% of people who are transgender or gender-nonconforming have attempted suicide sometime in their lives.(The Williams Institute, UCLA, 2014)

85% of all LGBTQ high school students reported being verbally harassed at some point in the past year based on their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.(GLSEN National School Climate Survey, 2013)

The most effective way to support all students and to reduce bullying in our schools is by promoting understanding and awareness of LGBTQ issues and increasing the capacity for empathy in all students.(Anti-Defamation League, 2015)

CNN: “Raising Ryland”

http://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2015/03/17/digital-shorts-parenting-transgender-child-orig.cnn/video/playlists/transgender-issues/

(12 minute video)

Definitions CompetitionGender Identity

Gender Expression

Biological Sex

Sexual Orientation

Transgender

Cisgender

Queer

Competition Steps:

Individually write definitions on large notecards

Break into teams of 3-4 people

Introduce yourself to your team:Your preferred first nameYour preferred gender pronouns (he/him/his; she/her/hers;

they/them/theirs; or other preferred pronouns)

Share your definitions and choose your groups’ one best and correct definition (circle on cards) for each term.

I will rotate around the room to check for accuracy or cold call on teams to check definitions and discuss.

Transgender:

A person whose gender identity and/ or expression are not aligned with the gender they were assigned at birth. “Transgender” is often used as an umbrella term encompassing a large number of identities related to gender nonconformity.

Cisgender:

A person whose gender identity and expression are aligned with the gender they were assigned at birth.

Queer:

An umbrella term used to describe a sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression that does not conform to dominant societal norms. While it is used as a neutral, or even a positive term among many LGBTQ students today, historically “queer” was used as a derogatory slur.

* An important note on terminology:

Skyline’s student-led group supporting all LGBTQ students and their allies voted overwhelmingly this year to change its name from the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) to the Queer Straight Alliance (QSA) to use this generation’s positive umbrella term (queer) that is truly inclusive of all students across the spectrum of gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation.

All high schools in AAPS have switched their student-led GSA groups to the name Queer Straight Alliance (QSA).

Poem: A Love Letter to Testosterone(written by a Skyline Student)

What are your reactions to this poem?

What is the author trying to convey?

What would an LGBTQ inclusive classroom and school look like?

(Student responses:)

Five Takeaways for your Classroom:

On day one on notecards, ask students their Preferred First Names and Preferred Gender Pronouns (PGPs) and provide this information on seating chart roster in your sub folder.

Take the time to learn one unique thing about each of your students. Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

Set expectations that cultivate respect for all in your classroom and be a visible and vocal ally for LGBTQ students.

Display LGBTQ-inclusive materials, stickers, and posters.

Incorporate LGBTQ people and themes into your lessons.

Some of the Best Resources on LGBTQ Inclusive Teaching:

Anti-Defamation League (ADL) www.adl.org

Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) www.glsen.org

Southern Poverty Law Center – Teaching Tolerance Project www.tolerance.org

Gender Spectrumwww.genderspectrum.org

Additional Questions?

Thank You!