"Start Seeing Diversity Video" Blog: Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

Welcome back!

Week 3 of the Diversity, Development, and Learning course is under way! This week we continue to tackle isms in light of learning the impact of family influence along with isms. We read and discussed racism, sexism, and heterosexism or homophobia in this week's content. Our assignment calls for us to choose 2 questions or scenarios to respond to in regards to this topic, as you will see below. The two i have chosen to respond to are as follows:

1. Some of the ways you noticed that homophobia and heterosexism permeate the world of young children including books, movies, toys, stores, culture of early childhood centers, and schools
2. Your response to those who believe that early childhood centers should avoid the inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian individuals such as same-sex partnered families

First of all, we live in an ever-changing society with individuals of varying genders, races, ethnicities, cultures, beliefs, abilities, and sexual orientations. Therefore, the dynamic of families have changed and expanded in a variety of ways over time, as well. This will impact the children who are in your classrooms each day and each year as they are raised in families of a variety of forms and styles. As stated in last week's multimedia presentation, "There's so many different ways to be a family. It doesn't matter who's in the family, but it matters that you love each other and take care of each other. That's a family," (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.). These words ring true in my heart as I appreciate and respect their meaning greatly. As educators, we need to be aware that there are a variety of different types of families in today's world and the children we work with in our classrooms can come from any of them! There can be single parent or two parent families, racially mixed families, extended families, blended families, adoptive families, families with two mothers or two fathers, and more. Being aware of the different types of families is not the only step we can and must take; rather we must also be sure to acknowledge, accept, include, and appreciate ALL types of families as there is a "need to validate all the different kinds of families children are coming from," so that no child or family feels invisible or unimportant as compared to others (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.). 

Based upon this understanding, educators and professionals must recognize that there is limited literature and examples of promoting, accepting, and appreciating ALL types of families in this society. Resources for promoting all types are limited at best, especially for families with same-sex parents. Like it or not, this is an increasingly common family formation that we must acknowledge and accept to ensure the positive development of the child from such family. Personally, I feel it is wonderful that same-sex parents are becoming more common as these couples should have the rights of any other couple and family. Therefore, heterosexism and homophobia that permeate children's literature and media needs to be remediated immediately! We need to find more examples of books, videos, movies, etc. that include this type of family in it's context. While I understand this is a hot topic for debate amongst many individuals, including educators, I remind you to consider these words and actions from a teacher who also was against utilizing and promoting such relationships and families: "Although this was difficult for her, the teacher said she knew her role was to help all children develop a positive identity, regardless of her own beliefs" about same-sex marriages and families (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.). 

Furthermore, to all the individuals who believe such examples of family and relationships should NOT be included in the early education of a child, I ask you - WHY NOT? The common myth that educating a child about such relationships and families will make them show such tendencies is completely false. Tina Reynolds is the perfect example of such. She raised her children to be equal. She allowed her daughter and sons to be who they wanted to be, to explore and learn and play with whatever they wanted, regardless of what her family had to say about it. By doing so and by being a lesbian woman in a same-sex relationship, she did not impact the sexual orientation or choices of her children's lives due to this. Her children are straight and married with children and families of their own; she simply allowed them to explore and become more whole by allowing them to respect and understand all gender roles and opportunities. Therefore, I challenge the nay-sayers to think and ponder the fact that "it is still important to acknowledge the existence of families with gay and lesbian parents so that children are prepared to be respectful when they do meet people who are lesbians or gay," (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.). Allowing educators to teach about and children to learn about ALL types of relationships, identities, and families will allow your child a positive, nurturing, and fulfilling opportunity for development in the Early Childhood years. 

As I know this topic can be controversial, I am passionate about equal rights for all and truly stand by my belief that all individuals should have the right to marry and create families with whomever and however they see fit, as long as it does not harm any individuals in the process. This example does not and will not harm individuals, rather it will strengthen and enlighten all individuals, including children, teachers, families, and community members, along the way. I apologize if you are offended or do not agree with my beliefs, but I stand by my word. The world would be a much better place if ALL individuals could take the journey towards an anti-bias life that each of us are currently working on through these courses. <3

References:

Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d. a). Start seeing diversity: Sexual orientation [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu. 

Laureate Education, Inc. (n.d. b). Looking inward. [Video webcast]. Retrieved from http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDUC/6357/CH/mm/audio_player/index_week1.html

Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d. c). That's a family! [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu.

Redefining Family :)

Hello friends!

For week 2 of our newest course, we had to create and/or share a collage, photograph, video, song, etc. about our childhood and family. Additionally, these items had to represent what our definition of family is and what we think of or consider to be family. I love photos and collages. I chose to make a variety of collages of varying individuals to represent what family is to me, who is most important to me, etc. These individuals have shaped my childhood or life in some way, shape, or form and continue to be a huge part of my life to some extent. Below are each individual collage I have made, as well as a description of who is in the collage, what it means, why, etc. The collages are in no particular order, just how they uploaded.

^^The collage above is of my younger and only brother, Ryan, and I through the years. He is one of my best buddies and I still remember the day I found out about being a big sister. I couldn't stop talking about it because I was SO excited! He has been my little buddy ever since he was born and the protectiveness I have over him is because I care so much. He is one of the greatest people I know. He has made my childhood and life so much better. Even though he drove me BONKERS at times, he always made me laugh, too!^^

^^This collage is of some of my cousins and I through the years. There are two quotes about cousins that I have always loved. One says, "Cousins are the siblings God forgot to give you." The other is, "Cousins are the first friends you will have in life. Cherish them always." My cousins and I have always been close and most of my childhood memories revolve around Friday nights at Aunt Sue's, summer vacation filled with swimming, Barbies, bike riding, and trips to the park with all of my cousins, family vacation to Wildwood and Sea Isle every summer, and much more. My life would have been SO different without the love, support, and laughter with my cousins. ^^

^^My immediate family is my foundation. My mom, dad, brother, and I are all close. We may drive each other crazy but we would do anything for one another. We have had so many ups and downs and been taught so many lessons through the years that formed and shaped my childhood in many ways. Additionally, my grand mom (mom's mom) was one of the most independent and strongest women I have ever met. A true role model and heroine to each of us females in the family. Always looked up to her and even though she has been gone 5 years this October, we all always will. ^^

^^Friends are truly the family we choose for ourselves, I am a firm believer in this philosophy. This collage is filled with friends through the years who have been a second family to myself and my brother and my family as a whole. Senior year of high school, going on 10 years ago, I lost two of my best friends to a brain aneurism and leukemia. I still miss them every single day and wish they could be here but am so very grateful I had the chance to have them in my lives as long as I did to shape my childhood and outlooks on life. Jessy was my very best friend from 1st grade to 12th grade before she passed. Kelli and I met in middle school but connected instantly. Other friends from college and high school who are still in my life are pictured. They continue to be my second family, no matter how much time, distance, or life gets in between we always will be there for one another and pick right up where we left off! ^^

^^ My cousin, Jacki, and I are extremely close and she is one of my best friends in the world. Her three daughters are like the little sisters I never had. Her youngest, pictured three times with just me, is my goddaughter. I was there for the birth and raising of each of the three girls. I was each of their first babysitter. I have always been like their big sister and will always be there for them, as their mom has always been for me. ^^

^^Lastly, my very best friend and love of my life, Mike, cannot be forgotten. We have been together for over eight years and he has helped me through some of my most challenging times, tough transitions, and changes within my life. He has truly shaped my life for the better. His continuous support and love keep me going even in the toughest of times. While we did not experience childhood together, he has reminded me yet again what the true meaning of family and love and support can be and reminds me daily of how we will raise a family with our own definitions and ideals together. <3 ^^