Apr 25, 2005 23:54
Today in class we had a member of PFLAG come to discuss tolerance, support, and acceptance of every human. Unfortunately we all know that whole gay marriage thing isn't going to happen anytime soon, but did you know that gay couples can't adopt a child in most states???!! I further found out that if a gay couple adopts a child, say in New York, and moves to texas years later, the state has the right to take the child away!! This is just unacceptable in every respect. Human rights are not only being violated, but gays and lesbians are still at risk to violence, job discrimination, and hate.
I really just can't understand why this should even be an issue at all. Lately i've become a little disconnected from everything. The more stupid comments i have to listen to made by future teachers, the more i want to set myself apart. I guess the ultimate goal is to work within the system to bring about tolerance, but if we "don't ask, don't tell" nothing will ever be accomplished.
This little human rights speech is a reminder of a few things i plan to do as a teacher:
1. handle student's disrespectful name calling in an informative manner. Students need to know more than "you shouldn't say fag, thats inappropriate"
2. I promise to join pflag and wear my tshirt to school events
3.create a classroom environment that promotes acceptance and safety to speak their opinions and relate to others.
4. I WILL NOT BE AFRAID TO OPENLY DISCUSS HOMOSEXUALITY WITH MY STUDENTS. We can't hide it under the rug anymore!
No wonder parents are shocked when their children finally come out of the closet. Maybe if people would bother to talk about it, things would be different. My god, homosexuality has been around forever.