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Posts tagged with "education"

May 2

LGBTQ* Polls and Charts

FryDay Poll: LGBTQ* Global Rights


Posted 3 weeks ago

36 notes

lgbtq, gay, lesbian, bi, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, global politics, charts, graphs, education, statistics, fryday, fry day,

May 2
LGBTQ* Coming Out WikiHow’s Weigh-In on Coming Out Edited byBen Rubenstein  (following from WIkiHow) In this guide, the term gay has been used to include all forms of homosexuality and bisexuality, whether that be people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or pansexual. Know if you are Gay. Sometimes people question their sexuality. There are many degrees of sexual orientation, and if you find you don’t fit easily into one category, perhaps you are bisexual. Don’t allow yourself to be labeled until, or unless, you are ready and willing to be. If you feel that you don’t fit, or you can’t understand why you aren’t like other people in your life because you are different, remember that you are you, and not anyone else; and that being yourself and accepting yourself for the person that you are is something to be immensely proud of.  Remember that you didn’t choose to be attracted to members of the same sex, and that attempts to change your orientation are usually painful and pointless in the end. When talking with heterosexual friends or family members, it’s sometimes tough to help them understand this, because they have no frame of reference for your experience. Try to encourage others to see your sexual orientation in the same way as they see your eye colour - it is something you were born with and did not choose. It is something that is simply a part of your being, and not something you can change. There isn’t any need to - being gay is just another way of being, and there is nothing wrong with it at all, neither is there anything wrong with you for being gay.  Develop and express your individuality - if your preferred way of doing something strays from the mainstream, whatever it may be, then be proud of it - you are the one and only you. Understand that a person who is gay is no different from any other person. Like everyone else, gay people have dreams and goals, and want companionship and love just like anyone else you know. Strive every day to be the best person you can be, and remind yourself of the positive qualities and attributes that make you uniquely who you are. Tell yourself that for people to accept you, first you must accept yourself. If you can’t accept your sexual orientation and feel comfortable and confident in your own skin, then other people find it harder to accept you fully. It’s your right to love; no one has the right to tell you otherwise.Tell yourself: “I am a person with feelings and intellect and a life, just like everyone else. I am unique and individual, and no one has the right to choose my life for me. The fact that I am gay is just another facet of who I am, just as being creative, or optimistic, or having brown eyes is. I may not be like many of my friends, but I choose to live my life authentically and happily. It’s my life, and I choose to be happy”. Remember that you are not alone. There are many, many gay people in all sorts of communities, and there are many people there for you when you need support. There may be agencies, groups, advisers, family members and friends that you can turn to, even if it is just someone to inform of your feelings. Find a group or a hangout where you feel comfortable, and where there will be other gay people to talk with. Make some new friends, and by doing so, you will establish a new network of supportive and encouraging people around yourself. Show people who you are. Coming out of the closet is the boldest step in accepting your sexual orientation, but now that you are able to live “out”, it does not mean that you have to change who you are or what you like. Don’t go trying to change yourself or wishing that you were like the other people in your life to cater to the comfort levels of others - there are over 6.7 billion people in the world, and you can’t please everyone - and those who care about you will still love you for who you are. If someone can’t accept the one small fact of who you are that is your sexuality, and can’t still respect you for the person that you are, then they aren’t worth your time or letting it bother you, because it’s not your fault that the person can’t accept it. TIPS: Be selective. The entire world does not need to know about your sexual orientation. It is not necessary to broadcast who you are, and no one should make you, if you find that telling everyone makes you uncomfortable. Know that, while you want and deserve to live an authentic life, it may not be a good idea to expose yourself to narrow-minded people who may offend you. Don’t come out to a particular person if it doesn’t feel right to you. This is a good rule to follow in general - there could be many reasons why, but if it doesn’t “feel right” then it is probably not the right time to come out to that person. The time to tell them may be later, or never. What is most important is that you come out to yourself. Once you are at ease with your own sexual orientation and have a healthy self-image, the when and how of coming out often fall into place naturally. Don’t worry about what others think; what is important is that you are true to yourself and considerate of others - that doesn’t mean you need to cater to the sensibilities of others. If a friend or a member of your family is having trouble coming to terms with your orientation, you may have to give them time and be patient, or in the long term face the end of that friendship. If you are in a relationship, refrain from using the word “room-mate” or words to that effect to describe your partner. And don’t let your loved ones get away with that, either - if you allow them to pretend by introducing your partner as your “friend” or “room-mate,” then you’re allowing them to put a mask on you and your partner, both. Don’t get nasty about it, just correct them gently, for example:“Well, yes we do live together. Auntie Joan, David is my partner” or “Auntie Joan, I noticed that Jo was introducing you to my girlfriend, Andrea. We dated for a couple of months before moving in together, and we’ve been together about a year now. I’m so glad you finally get to meet her… Andi, come here, sweetie, and meet my Aunt Joan”.Once your family get the idea that you aren’t about to sit back and let them believe that you and David are “just room-mates”, or that you and Andi are “just really good friends”, they will stop attempting to put a mask on your relationship and be more open, too. Remember that being gay does not require you to conform to typical gay stereotypes. Most people who are gay are indistinguishable from those that aren’t, share the same interests, goals and dreams for their lives. Being a homosexual person does not necessarily make you any less masculine or feminine, and there is no need or pressure to conform to stereotypes that don’t feel right to you - because you are who you are. Someone who is transgender (*wording changed by knowhomo) can also be gay. There are plenty of FTMs who are gay, who are into other guys and same goes for MTFs, MTFs who are into other girls. Gender and sexuality are not the same thing. It shows that being gay does not make one “less of a wo/man”

LGBTQ* Coming Out

WikiHow’s Weigh-In on Coming Out

Edited byBen Rubenstein  (following from WIkiHow)

In this guide, the term gay has been used to include all forms of homosexuality and bisexuality, whether that be people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or pansexual.

  1. Know if you are Gay. Sometimes people question their sexuality. There are many degrees of sexual orientation, and if you find you don’t fit easily into one category, perhaps you are bisexual. Don’t allow yourself to be labeled until, or unless, you are ready and willing to be. If you feel that you don’t fit, or you can’t understand why you aren’t like other people in your life because you are different, remember that you are you, and not anyone else; and that being yourself and accepting yourself for the person that you are is something to be immensely proud of. 
  2. Remember that you didn’t choose to be attracted to members of the same sex, and that attempts to change your orientation are usually painful and pointless in the end. When talking with heterosexual friends or family members, it’s sometimes tough to help them understand this, because they have no frame of reference for your experience. Try to encourage others to see your sexual orientation in the same way as they see your eye colour - it is something you were born with and did not choose. It is something that is simply a part of your being, and not something you can change. There isn’t any need to - being gay is just another way of being, and there is nothing wrong with it at all, neither is there anything wrong with you for being gay. 
  3. Develop and express your individuality - if your preferred way of doing something strays from the mainstream, whatever it may be, then be proud of it - you are the one and only you. Understand that a person who is gay is no different from any other person. Like everyone else, gay people have dreams and goals, and want companionship and love just like anyone else you know. Strive every day to be the best person you can be, and remind yourself of the positive qualities and attributes that make you uniquely who you are.
  4. Tell yourself that for people to accept you, first you must accept yourself. If you can’t accept your sexual orientation and feel comfortable and confident in your own skin, then other people find it harder to accept you fully. It’s your right to love; no one has the right to tell you otherwise.Tell yourself: “I am a person with feelings and intellect and a life, just like everyone else. I am unique and individual, and no one has the right to choose my life for me. The fact that I am gay is just another facet of who I am, just as being creative, or optimistic, or having brown eyes is. I may not be like many of my friends, but I choose to live my life authentically and happily. It’s my life, and I choose to be happy”.
  5. Remember that you are not alone. There are many, many gay people in all sorts of communities, and there are many people there for you when you need support. There may be agencies, groups, advisers, family members and friends that you can turn to, even if it is just someone to inform of your feelings. Find a group or a hangout where you feel comfortable, and where there will be other gay people to talk with. Make some new friends, and by doing so, you will establish a new network of supportive and encouraging people around yourself.
  6. Show people who you are. Coming out of the closet is the boldest step in accepting your sexual orientation, but now that you are able to live “out”, it does not mean that you have to change who you are or what you like. Don’t go trying to change yourself or wishing that you were like the other people in your life to cater to the comfort levels of others - there are over 6.7 billion people in the world, and you can’t please everyone - and those who care about you will still love you for who you are. If someone can’t accept the one small fact of who you are that is your sexuality, and can’t still respect you for the person that you are, then they aren’t worth your time or letting it bother you, because it’s not your fault that the person can’t accept it.

TIPS:
  • Be selective. The entire world does not need to know about your sexual orientation. It is not necessary to broadcast who you are, and no one should make you, if you find that telling everyone makes you uncomfortable. Know that, while you want and deserve to live an authentic life, it may not be a good idea to expose yourself to narrow-minded people who may offend you.
  • Don’t come out to a particular person if it doesn’t feel right to you. This is a good rule to follow in general - there could be many reasons why, but if it doesn’t “feel right” then it is probably not the right time to come out to that person. The time to tell them may be later, or never. What is most important is that you come out to yourself. Once you are at ease with your own sexual orientation and have a healthy self-image, the when and how of coming out often fall into place naturally.
  • Don’t worry about what others think; what is important is that you are true to yourself and considerate of others - that doesn’t mean you need to cater to the sensibilities of others. If a friend or a member of your family is having trouble coming to terms with your orientation, you may have to give them time and be patient, or in the long term face the end of that friendship.
  • If you are in a relationship, refrain from using the word “room-mate” or words to that effect to describe your partner. And don’t let your loved ones get away with that, either - if you allow them to pretend by introducing your partner as your “friend” or “room-mate,” then you’re allowing them to put a mask on you and your partner, both. Don’t get nasty about it, just correct them gently, for example:

    • “Well, yes we do live together. Auntie Joan, David is my partner” or “Auntie Joan, I noticed that Jo was introducing you to my girlfriend, Andrea. We dated for a couple of months before moving in together, and we’ve been together about a year now. I’m so glad you finally get to meet her… Andi, come here, sweetie, and meet my Aunt Joan”.

      Once your family get the idea that you aren’t about to sit back and let them believe that you and David are “just room-mates”, or that you and Andi are “just really good friends”, they will stop attempting to put a mask on your relationship and be more open, too.
  • Remember that being gay does not require you to conform to typical gay stereotypes. Most people who are gay are indistinguishable from those that aren’t, share the same interests, goals and dreams for their lives. Being a homosexual person does not necessarily make you any less masculine or feminine, and there is no need or pressure to conform to stereotypes that don’t feel right to you - because you are who you are.
  • Someone who is transgender (*wording changed by knowhomo) can also be gay. There are plenty of FTMs who are gay, who are into other guys and same goes for MTFs, MTFs who are into other girls. Gender and sexuality are not the same thing. It shows that being gay does not make one “less of a wo/man”

Posted 3 weeks ago

149 notes

lgbtq, gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, poly, queer, coming out, wikihow, advice, education,

Apr 9
GLSEN’S ICEBREAKERS (read more HERE) 1) Common Ground - Source: Kerry Ashforth Students and faculty advisors stand in a circle. One person begins by saying, “I’ve got a younger sister,” or some other statement that is true for them. Everyone for whom this is also true steps into the center of the circle. Everyone who doesn’t have a younger sister stays on the outside. You can always choose not to step into the circle. The game often brings up personal and important issues that students may not want to discuss in a more formal setting. This also allows us to recognize our differences and similarities. 2) Gender Stereotypes - Source: Various Trace a male and a female body on butcher paper, then have a free-for-all where everyone writes/expresses as many gender stereotypes as they can think of, and place those stereotypes on the bodies where they would apply (i.e. “boys are smart at math” would be placed on the head of the male body). From here, you can talk about how gender stereotypes and traits relate to perceptions about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people - as well as how these stereotypes limit our possibilities, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. These exercises can also be done using stereotypes of gay men and lesbians - helping us to recognize that everyone has different traits that don’t define our sexual orientation or gender. 3) Culture Walk - Source: Kerry Ashforth There are one or two mediators, and they begin by asking a group of people, for example, women, to move to one side of the room. The people who then haven’t identified as women ask questions, and the women give them answers. Then the women get to say what they’d like other people to know about them. You don’t have to “talk” or “walk”. 4) Pretzel, Knots - Source: various. Group building cooperation game. Everyone stands in a circle. Everyone puts his right hand forward into the middle and grabs the right hand of someone. Then, take your left and hand grab the left hand of someone else in the circle. Thus, with your right hand you are attached to one person’s right hand, and your left hand is attached to someone else’s left hand. You are all now in a tangled ring of bodies. Without letting go, untangle yourselves. You may switch positions of your hands, but do not break the ring. Sometimes the group is tangled in one big loop, but sometimes it is tangled in several smaller ones.

GLSEN’S ICEBREAKERS

(read more HERE)

1) Common Ground - Source: Kerry Ashforth

Students and faculty advisors stand in a circle. One person begins by saying, “I’ve got a younger sister,” or some other statement that is true for them. Everyone for whom this is also true steps into the center of the circle. Everyone who doesn’t have a younger sister stays on the outside. You can always choose not to step into the circle. The game often brings up personal and important issues that students may not want to discuss in a more formal setting. This also allows us to recognize our differences and similarities.

2) Gender Stereotypes - Source: Various

Trace a male and a female body on butcher paper, then have a free-for-all where everyone writes/expresses as many gender stereotypes as they can think of, and place those stereotypes on the bodies where they would apply (i.e. “boys are smart at math” would be placed on the head of the male body). From here, you can talk about how gender stereotypes and traits relate to perceptions about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people - as well as how these stereotypes limit our possibilities, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. These exercises can also be done using stereotypes of gay men and lesbians - helping us to recognize that everyone has different traits that don’t define our sexual orientation or gender.

3) Culture Walk - Source: Kerry Ashforth

There are one or two mediators, and they begin by asking a group of people, for example, women, to move to one side of the room. The people who then haven’t identified as women ask questions, and the women give them answers. Then the women get to say what they’d like other people to know about them. You don’t have to “talk” or “walk”.

4) Pretzel, Knots - Source: various.

Group building cooperation game. Everyone stands in a circle. Everyone puts his right hand forward into the middle and grabs the right hand of someone. Then, take your left and hand grab the left hand of someone else in the circle. Thus, with your right hand you are attached to one person’s right hand, and your left hand is attached to someone else’s left hand. You are all now in a tangled ring of bodies. Without letting go, untangle yourselves. You may switch positions of your hands, but do not break the ring.

Sometimes the group is tangled in one big loop, but sometimes it is tangled in several smaller ones.

Posted 1 month ago

105 notes

lgbtq, gay, lesbian, bi, trans*, pansexual, pan, transgender, icebreakers, school, work, education, glsen, comon ground, gender games,

Apr 8
LGBTQ* Political Cartoons “Double Standard for Similar Equation” photo from The Daily Cougar 

LGBTQ* Political Cartoons

“Double Standard for Similar Equation”

photo from The Daily Cougar 


Posted 1 month ago

241 notes

lgbtq, queer, gay, homosexual, student, education, high school, love, young love, first kiss, gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual,

Apr 5
PFLAG’S: What Can I Do to Make My School Safe for LGBT Youth? Here are 5 ways you can make your school safer for LGBT students no matter what your role: If you’re a student: Doing nothing can be worse than the act itself: Report harassment, bullying, or threats targeted at LGBT students to a trusted teacher or advisor. Encourage your teachers to address homophobia and transphobia in the classroom by posting safe-space posters, stopping hate speech, and supporting gay-straight alliances (GSAs). Watch what you say: Don’t use words associated with being LGBT as euphemisms for stupid and explain to friends and peers who do why they shouldn’t. Ask your school to address LGBT issues by having a Pride Week, bringing a speaker to your school, and talking about sexual orientation and gender identity in class. Support your LGBT peers by joining a GSA: the A stands for ally. If you’re a teacher: Stop hate speech in your classroom. Speak out if you hear a student in your class or in the halls using words like “fag”, “dyke”, or “gay” as put-downs or insults. Ask your administrator for the opportunity to attend “Respect for All” training for diversity and LGBT issues. Participate in educators’ conferences, and speak to current and future teachers about being allies for LGBT staff and students. Post safe-space posters, materials, or just talk to your students about why your classroom a safe-space, free of harassment, bias, and violence. Support gay-straight alliances, chaperon LGBT positive proms, and help LGBT students and staff advocate for fair school policies. If you’re an administrator or guidance counselor: Reach out to both parents and students to help make them aware that peers may be struggling with sexual orientation or gender identity. Meet with teachers and parents to help them learn about the issues that their students, children, or their children’s peers may be facing as a LGBT person. Make sure your library, school healthcare workers, and health teachers include accurate information about gender identity, LGBT sexuality, and health. Ensure that the NYC DOE’s “Respect for All” program and the Chancellor’s Regulation on Bias-Related Harassment and Bullying are known in your school, and that students, parents, and teachers know how to respond to bias incidents. Let students know that your office is open to them, should they need support speaking about bullying, violence, harassment, or conflict at home. If you’re a parent: Understand the issues and terms associated with LGBT issues, and teach your children what you learn. Talk to your kids about hate speech, bullying, and acceptance. Let them know that not participating in these activities, and standing up for others, earns your respect. Work with your PTA to create allied groups in your community, focused on making your school safer. Write to local papers and contact your school administrators to make it known that your family and your community are concerned about safe school issues. Let your children know that you accept them, their friends, and their peers, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Make your home a supportive and open space. (image from University of New Mexico)

PFLAG’S:

What Can I Do to Make My

School Safe for LGBT Youth?

Here are 5 ways you can make your school safer for LGBT students no matter what your role:

If you’re a student:

  • Doing nothing can be worse than the act itself: Report harassment, bullying, or threats targeted at LGBT students to a trusted teacher or advisor.
  • Encourage your teachers to address homophobia and transphobia in the classroom by posting safe-space posters, stopping hate speech, and supporting gay-straight alliances (GSAs).
  • Watch what you say: Don’t use words associated with being LGBT as euphemisms for stupid and explain to friends and peers who do why they shouldn’t.
  • Ask your school to address LGBT issues by having a Pride Week, bringing a speaker to your school, and talking about sexual orientation and gender identity in class.
  • Support your LGBT peers by joining a GSA: the A stands for ally.

If you’re a teacher:

  • Stop hate speech in your classroom. Speak out if you hear a student in your class or in the halls using words like “fag”, “dyke”, or “gay” as put-downs or insults.
  • Ask your administrator for the opportunity to attend “Respect for All” training for diversity and LGBT issues.
  • Participate in educators’ conferences, and speak to current and future teachers about being allies for LGBT staff and students.
  • Post safe-space posters, materials, or just talk to your students about why your classroom a safe-space, free of harassment, bias, and violence.
  • Support gay-straight alliances, chaperon LGBT positive proms, and help LGBT students and staff advocate for fair school policies.

If you’re an administrator or guidance counselor:

  • Reach out to both parents and students to help make them aware that peers may be struggling with sexual orientation or gender identity.
  • Meet with teachers and parents to help them learn about the issues that their students, children, or their children’s peers may be facing as a LGBT person.
  • Make sure your library, school healthcare workers, and health teachers include accurate information about gender identity, LGBT sexuality, and health.
  • Ensure that the NYC DOE’s “Respect for All” program and the Chancellor’s Regulation on Bias-Related Harassment and Bullying are known in your school, and that students, parents, and teachers know how to respond to bias incidents.
  • Let students know that your office is open to them, should they need support speaking about bullying, violence, harassment, or conflict at home.

If you’re a parent:

  • Understand the issues and terms associated with LGBT issues, and teach your children what you learn.
  • Talk to your kids about hate speech, bullying, and acceptance. Let them know that not participating in these activities, and standing up for others, earns your respect.
  • Work with your PTA to create allied groups in your community, focused on making your school safer.
  • Write to local papers and contact your school administrators to make it known that your family and your community are concerned about safe school issues.
  • Let your children know that you accept them, their friends, and their peers, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Make your home a supportive and open space.

(image from University of New Mexico)

Posted 1 month ago

552 notes

lgbtq, safe zone, safe space, safe haven, education, school, gay, lesbian, bi, bisexual, pan, pansexual, genderqueer, transgender, trans*, questioning, undeclared, queer, parents, educators, teachers, faculty, college, high school, jr high, pflag,

Mar 25
LGBTQ* Statistics We Can No Longer Ignore Irish school polls find 1 in 5 lbgtq* students skip school because they are bullied(picture above) It is estimate 160,000 students skip school in the US each day because of bullying

LGBTQ* Statistics We Can No Longer Ignore

Irish school polls find 1 in 5 lbgtq* students skip school because they are bullied(picture above)

It is estimate 160,000 students skip school in the US each day because of bullying

Posted 2 months ago

700 notes

lgbtq, bully, bullied, bullies, skipping school, statistics, ireland, irish, usa, us, school, education,

Mar 14
Political Cartoons Steve Sack — artist

Political Cartoons

Steve Sack — artist

Posted 2 months ago

460 notes

bully, children, education, kids, lgbtq, safety, school, political cartoon,

Feb 25

Films To Keep On Your Radar

BULLY

Bully Official Trailer #1 - Weinstein Company Movie (2012) HD

This year, over 5 million American kids will be bullied at school, online, on the bus, at home, through their cell phones and on the streets of their towns, making it the most common form of violence young people in this country experience. The Bully Project is the first feature documentary film to show how we’ve all been affected by bullying, whether we’ve been victims, perpetrators or stood silent witness. The world we inhabit as adults begins on the playground. The Bully Project opens on the first day of school. For the more than 5 million kids who’ll be bullied this year in the United States, it’s a day filled with more anxiety and foreboding than excitement. As the sun rises and school busses across the country overflow with backpacks, brass instruments and the rambunctious sounds of raging hormones, this is a ride into the unknown. For a lot of kids, the only thing that’s certain is that this year… (from BULLY’s youtube page)

Posted 3 months ago

246 notes

acceptance, adults, assistance, bully, bully, children, education, kids, need to know, need to watch, nerd, geek, school, high school, elementary school, lgbtq,

Feb 18
LGBTQ* Political Cartoons I know one place that is now open.

LGBTQ* Political Cartoons

I know one place that is now open.

Posted 3 months ago

182 notes

lgbtq, closet, political cartoon, gsa, gay straight alliance, queer, school, education, irony,

Jan 21
LGBTQ* Books To Keep On Your Radar One Teacher in Ten: LGBT Educators Share Their Stories This is a collection of more than 30 accounts by gay and lesbian teachers from schools and universities across the country. Each narrative recounts its author’s experiences either as an openly gay or lesbian teacher or during the period of coming out. Specific school settings, such as the Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, are mentioned. Common themes discussed are student/teacher relationships, teacher/teacher relationships, AIDS, support groups, the process of coming out, and community reactions. This book will be useful for studying the culture of schools at all levels. An appendix contains biographies of the teachers who tell their stories, a list of support groups, and, most importantly, an essay on the legal history and current state of gay and lesbian rights across the country. For most education collections.Nancy E. Zuwiyya, Binghamton City Sch. Dist., N.Y.

LGBTQ* Books To Keep On Your Radar

One Teacher in Ten: LGBT Educators Share Their Stories

This is a collection of more than 30 accounts by gay and lesbian teachers from schools and universities across the country. Each narrative recounts its author’s experiences either as an openly gay or lesbian teacher or during the period of coming out. Specific school settings, such as the Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, are mentioned. Common themes discussed are student/teacher relationships, teacher/teacher relationships, AIDS, support groups, the process of coming out, and community reactions. This book will be useful for studying the culture of schools at all levels. An appendix contains biographies of the teachers who tell their stories, a list of support groups, and, most importantly, an essay on the legal history and current state of gay and lesbian rights across the country. For most education collections.
Nancy E. Zuwiyya, Binghamton City Sch. Dist., N.Y.

Posted 4 months ago

130 notes

bisexual, education, educators, gay, lesbian, lgbtq, nonfiction, school, teacher, teacher, kevin jennings,

Jan 17
LGBTQ* Advice, Insight and Education How Educators Can Help: 1.) Treat the topic of sexual orientation as you would an other human difference 2.) Illustrate ways in which diversity has had a positive effect on our culture 3.) Do not allow students to use names such as “fag,” “butch,” “dyke,” “homo,” etc. in a negative fashion. Treat these words the same way you give notice to ethnic or racial slurs. Create a safe space for discussion. 4.) Let others show that derogatory gestures and jokes are not amusing — they cause pain 5.) Be away that some LGBTQ* students are very often uncomfortable, invisible, isolated and need acceptance from you  6.) Some LGBTQ* students will probably not admit to being LGBTQ* due to denial, need to conform or personal acknowledgement. Don’t confront these students! Be an ally and allow them time. 7.) You can convey respect and show that each student is valued for characteristics within his/her control. 8.) Sexual orientation is a minor (but important) part of a person’s existence and should not be overly emphasized. 9.) When you speak to someone it is important to remember that that person may be indeed related to the “invisible” minority and can easily be hurt. Be a good friend. Do not use a student or fellow peer as examples without their permission. 10.) If a student tells you he/she is LGBTQ*, thank the person for trusting you and keep it to yourself. If a student needs help, the school psychologist or social worker will be available and the information will be kept confidential. (Taken from a university Safe Haven manual. Picture source unknown.)

LGBTQ* Advice, Insight and Education

How Educators Can Help:

1.) Treat the topic of sexual orientation as you would an other human difference

2.) Illustrate ways in which diversity has had a positive effect on our culture

3.) Do not allow students to use names such as “fag,” “butch,” “dyke,” “homo,” etc. in a negative fashion. Treat these words the same way you give notice to ethnic or racial slurs. Create a safe space for discussion.

4.) Let others show that derogatory gestures and jokes are not amusing — they cause pain

5.) Be away that some LGBTQ* students are very often uncomfortable, invisible, isolated and need acceptance from you 

6.) Some LGBTQ* students will probably not admit to being LGBTQ* due to denial, need to conform or personal acknowledgement. Don’t confront these students! Be an ally and allow them time.

7.) You can convey respect and show that each student is valued for characteristics within his/her control.

8.) Sexual orientation is a minor (but important) part of a person’s existence and should not be overly emphasized.

9.) When you speak to someone it is important to remember that that person may be indeed related to the “invisible” minority and can easily be hurt. Be a good friend. Do not use a student or fellow peer as examples without their permission.

10.) If a student tells you he/she is LGBTQ*, thank the person for trusting you and keep it to yourself. If a student needs help, the school psychologist or social worker will be available and the information will be kept confidential.

(Taken from a university Safe Haven manual. Picture source unknown.)

Posted 4 months ago

488 notes

lgbtq, homosexual, bisexual, queer, gay, education, teacher, ally, professor, school, college, university,

Jan 12
LGBTQ* College, Education and Safe Spaces America’s Gay-Friendly Colleges Ranked (The best and worst schools for LGBT students — Article from Philly Mag )  The results are based on more than 120,000 surveys of students throughout the U.S. And not surprisingly some of the most gay-friendly schools also have top academic reputations and are located in major cities in the Northeast, while schools that don’t protect the rights of LGBT students tend to be religious-based (like Notre Dame that scores in the top 20 worst), often excluding sexual orientation and gender identity in any discussion about campus life. The worst schools also don’t provide any resources for LGBT students – no student center, no health services and certainly no social groups. 2011 Best Gay-Friendly Colleges  The top 5 best: 1. New York University (New York, NY) 2. Stanford University (Stanford, CA) 3. Emerson College (Boston, MA) 4. Wellesley College (Wellesley, MA) 5. Bennington College (Bennington, VT) 2011 Worst Gay-Friendly Colleges The top 5 worst: 1. Wheaton College (Wheaton, Ill.) 2. Grove City College (Grove City, Pa.) 3. Brigham Young University (Provo, UT) 4. Hampden-Sydney College (Hampden-Sydney, Va.) 5. College of the Ozarks (Point Lookout, MO)

LGBTQ* College, Education and Safe Spaces

America’s Gay-Friendly Colleges Ranked

(The best and worst schools for LGBT students — Article from Philly Mag ) 

The results are based on more than 120,000 surveys of students throughout the U.S. And not surprisingly some of the most gay-friendly schools also have top academic reputations and are located in major cities in the Northeast, while schools that don’t protect the rights of LGBT students tend to be religious-based (like Notre Dame that scores in the top 20 worst), often excluding sexual orientation and gender identity in any discussion about campus life. The worst schools also don’t provide any resources for LGBT students – no student center, no health services and certainly no social groups.

2011 Best Gay-Friendly Colleges 

The top 5 best:

1. New York University (New York, NY)

2. Stanford University (Stanford, CA)

3. Emerson College (Boston, MA)

4. Wellesley College (Wellesley, MA)

5. Bennington College (Bennington, VT)

2011 Worst Gay-Friendly Colleges

The top 5 worst:

1. Wheaton College (Wheaton, Ill.)

2. Grove City College (Grove City, Pa.)

3. Brigham Young University (Provo, UT)

4. Hampden-Sydney College (Hampden-Sydney, Va.)

5. College of the Ozarks (Point Lookout, MO)

Posted 4 months ago

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lgbtq, college, safety, gay-friendly, top five, education, academics,

Dec 29
LGBTQ* People You Should Know Mary Emma Woolley  * Jul 1, 1863  to 1947Born in Connecticut, but raised in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and attended high school in Providence. * First woman graduate of Brown University (1894) — President of Mount Holyoke College for 37 years, staunch advocate of women’s education and pacifist. 1932 represented the United States at the Geneva Conference on Reduction and Limitation of Armaments. *Lifelong companion of Jeanette Marks, Professor of English at Mount Holyoke. (information/text from Rhode Island Queer History)

LGBTQ* People You Should Know

Mary Emma Woolley

 * Jul 1, 1863  to 1947Born in Connecticut, but raised in Pawtucket, Rhode Island and attended high school in Providence.

* First woman graduate of Brown University (1894) — President of Mount Holyoke College for 37 years, staunch advocate of women’s education and pacifist. 1932 represented the United States at the Geneva Conference on Reduction and Limitation of Armaments.

*Lifelong companion of Jeanette Marks, Professor of English at Mount Holyoke.

(information/text from Rhode Island Queer History)

Posted 4 months ago

132 notes

lgbtq, rhode island, lesbian, education, mount holyoke, mary emma woolley, brown university,

Dec 20
LGBTQ* Stats, Studies and Education THE NERDS ARE ON YOUR SIDE (Student Attitudes and Statistics —  From Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States) A national survey of 2,804 American high school students 16 to 18 years of age with an “A” or “B” grade average found: Nearly four out of five (78 percent) feel homosexuals should be permitted to enlist in the military. Three out of four (74 percent) feel gays should be allowed to teach school. More than three out of five high-achieving teens (62 percent) believe it is okay to have a gay Girl or Boy Scout Leader. Two out of three (68 percent) believe gays should be able to coach youth sports. More than half believe gays should be allowed to marry (54 percent) and to join the clergy (54 percent). (Note: Studies done at beginning of 21st Century - It would be interesting to conduct the same studies now and view the increase.)

LGBTQ* Stats, Studies and Education

THE NERDS ARE ON YOUR SIDE

(Student Attitudes and Statistics —

 From Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States)

A national survey of 2,804 American high school students 16 to 18 years of age with an “A” or “B” grade average found:

Nearly four out of five (78 percent) feel homosexuals should be permitted to enlist in the military.

Three out of four (74 percent) feel gays should be allowed to teach school.

More than three out of five high-achieving teens (62 percent) believe it is okay to have a gay Girl or Boy Scout Leader.

Two out of three (68 percent) believe gays should be able to coach youth sports.

More than half believe gays should be allowed to marry (54 percent) and to join the clergy (54 percent).

(Note: Studies done at beginning of 21st Century - It would be interesting to conduct the same studies now and view the increase.)

Posted 5 months ago

113 notes

lgbtq, queer, homosexual, nerd, geek, support, allies, education,