If you have ever used or heard homophobic terms such as "fag," "gay," "homo," "sissy," "tom boy," or "lesbo" as an insult by a child toward another child? Or, by an adult toward a child? Describe what occurred. How might these types of comments influence all children? (Note: if you have not had a personal experience, ask a family member, friend, or colleague)
Unfortunately, this is a situation that hits close to home. I may have shared this before, but two months ago, my son was a victim of another child using homophobic terms towards him. My son was riding the bus and a child told everyone he was gay. My son walked home, with the hood pulled over towards his face, crying and ran immediately upstairs. I did not know what was going on. My youngest son tried asking and we both ran upstairs only to find his door locked and him crying harder and louder. After finally opening the door, I removed his hood and asked what was wrong. Not only did I see the outpour of tears, but a white "x" on his forehead. I asked him what happend and what was the marking for and he said a child, place this on his head for everyone to see and know that he was gay. My son is not gay, even if he was, I would love my son all the same. Children can be so cruel. The situation was handled at school and the Principal as the boy admitted to doing this. His response is that my son acts wierd.
"When we fail to recognize children's social identities, we erase fundamental aspects of who they are and who their families are" (Pelo, 2008, p 72). When we include books that depicts gay or lesbian sjuch as same sex partnered families we are teaching our children to respect everyone as individuals. Some of the children's friends may come from families as this and we want to ensure we are respecting them and their familes. There are many types of families.
"The following suggestions are intended as starting points as teachers begin to think about the issue of homophobia in school: (1) guarantee equality; (2) create a safe environment; (3) provide role models; (4) provide support for students; (5) provide training for faculty and staff; (6) reassess the curriculum; (7) provide appropriate health care and education; (8) diversify library and media holdings; (9) broaden enlightenment programs; and (10) do not assume that students and other teachers are heterosexual. Gay and lesbian members of the school community need to know that their schools value equality and that they are protected against discrimination" (Gay, 1997).
Reference
Pelo, A. (Ed.). (2008). Rethinking early childhood education. Milwaukee, WI: Rethinking Schools.
Unfortunately, this is a situation that hits close to home. I may have shared this before, but two months ago, my son was a victim of another child using homophobic terms towards him. My son was riding the bus and a child told everyone he was gay. My son walked home, with the hood pulled over towards his face, crying and ran immediately upstairs. I did not know what was going on. My youngest son tried asking and we both ran upstairs only to find his door locked and him crying harder and louder. After finally opening the door, I removed his hood and asked what was wrong. Not only did I see the outpour of tears, but a white "x" on his forehead. I asked him what happend and what was the marking for and he said a child, place this on his head for everyone to see and know that he was gay. My son is not gay, even if he was, I would love my son all the same. Children can be so cruel. The situation was handled at school and the Principal as the boy admitted to doing this. His response is that my son acts wierd.
"When we fail to recognize children's social identities, we erase fundamental aspects of who they are and who their families are" (Pelo, 2008, p 72). When we include books that depicts gay or lesbian sjuch as same sex partnered families we are teaching our children to respect everyone as individuals. Some of the children's friends may come from families as this and we want to ensure we are respecting them and their familes. There are many types of families.
"The following suggestions are intended as starting points as teachers begin to think about the issue of homophobia in school: (1) guarantee equality; (2) create a safe environment; (3) provide role models; (4) provide support for students; (5) provide training for faculty and staff; (6) reassess the curriculum; (7) provide appropriate health care and education; (8) diversify library and media holdings; (9) broaden enlightenment programs; and (10) do not assume that students and other teachers are heterosexual. Gay and lesbian members of the school community need to know that their schools value equality and that they are protected against discrimination" (Gay, 1997).
Reference
Gay, L. Y. (1997). What You Can Do...To Help End Homophobia in Your School.
Pelo, A. (Ed.). (2008). Rethinking early childhood education. Milwaukee, WI: Rethinking Schools.
I am so sorry your son had to experience such nasty cruel behavior. Kids can be so cruel and we as parents have to do a better job raising them to be respectful of others and to quit judging eachother.
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