Homosexuality Must be Discussed in American Elementary Schools

Wherever it has been established that it is shameful

to be involved in homosexual relationships, this is due to

evil on the part of legislators, to despotism on the part of

the rules, and to cowardice on the part of the governed.

-Plato

Society is currently arguing over how to address the issue of violence against homosexuals. Many educators and activists suggest that the educational systems nationwide address the issues of sexual orientation in classrooms to combat stereotypes and myths that lead to violence against homosexuals. Within this debate, there is controversy about when to deploy educational stratagems regarding sexual orientation. In order to productively dispel stereotypes, it is necessary that queer issues be implemented into the elementary school curriculum.

In considering the addition of queer issues into elementary education this paper includes a definition of queer issues. A discussion of why queer issues must be taught follows its explanation. In addition, arguments against queer education are looked at and refuted. Finally, ways to implement queer education into elementary school curricula are discussed. In reading over the following information it is imperative to keep in mind that the goal in including queer issues in education is that students recognize diversity in their community, culture, and classroom as well as accept and appreciate these differences.

WHAT ARE QUEER ISSUES?

Before teaching about queer issues it is important to define exactly what these issues are. Queer issues encompass topics, concerns, and questions relating to the GLBITTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Intersexual, Transsexual, Transgendered, and Queer) community. It is these aspects of the GLBITTQ community that are the fo...

... middle of paper ...

...7.

Richardson, D. (1998). Sexuality and citizenship. Sociology, 32, 83-100.

Rofes, E. (1995). Making schools safe for sissies. Rethinking Schools, 9, 8-9. [Available through ACADEMIC SEARCH PREMIER].

Savin-Williams, R. C. (1994). Verbal and physical assault as stressors in the lives of lesbian, gay male, and bisexual youths: Associations with school problems, running away, substance abuse, prostitution and suicide. Journal of Consultation and Clinical Psychology, 62, 261-269.

Sears, J. T. (1999). Teaching queerly: Some elementary propositions. In W. J. Letts IV & J. T. Sears (Eds.), Queering elementary education (pp. 3-14). Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.

Weeks, J. (2000). The Challenge of Lesbian and Gay Studies. In T. Sandfort, J. Schuyf, J. W. Duyvendak, & J. Weeks (Eds.), Lesbian and gay studies (pp. 1-13). London: SAGE Publications.