"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.