LGBT

Speaking the unspeakable in forbidden places: addressing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in the primary school by Alexandra Allan, Elizabeth Atkinson, Elizabeth Brace, Rene ́e DePalma* and Judy Hemingway was a very eye opening story about stories where teachers had to teach about LGBT in certain situations like the classroom or between other teachers.  A part in this story that stood out to me was the way Laura tried to explain the prince's love story issue about how he didn't want a princess, he wanted a prince and she let the class give their ideas as to why, and they all ( expect for 1 or 2) reacted in a non negative way to the fact that they were figuring out why he should have a prince and not a princess.  The class did not turn into negative pupils they were helpful for the prince. I imagined my future classroom being helpful for someone who just wants to be happy and not judgmental. I thought it was really heartwarming that the classroom wanted to help the prince charming find his not princess but prince. Also when Laura changed her character to "Cindy" a lesbian, i enjoyed how she didn't want to make the character too girly and pretty in pink. She wanted to make a statement that not all women are pretty in pink and not all lesbians look like men. The way she handled the questions from her students about "if she is gay" was really honest and professional. They should know that their awesome fun cool caring teacher is gay, that way they know gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender people aren't bad in any form, because the students personally know someone who is  "gay". I personally don't like to think about my teacher's sexuality preferences, i believe that their personal life should be kept personal and their professionalism should be kept professional as well, but if a teacher was ever to give the class a heads up they are LGBT, good for them for letting us know and making us feel comfortable and giving the people who don't feel comfortable the opportunity to choose their educators, even though their sexuality should not matter. I think if a teacher does not straight out tell their class about their sexuality then that means it is not technically off limits to talk about but they prefer for their students to judge them off of their professional work.