Speaking the unspeakable in forbidden places

Quotes: 

"What is interesting to note, however, is the way in which these relations constituted and were constituted by social space; the ways in which the school corridors, in particular, were being recognised as public, mobile, child-inhabited and, therefore, dangerous spaces to talk about sexuality"

 (McGregor 2004).

This topic is tricky to talk about in schools, but it doesn't have to be. The methods in this text are helping to educate children in a way they can understand without giving to much detail. The fact that the teachers have to consider this topic of sexuality as dangerous in the classroom, shows that it needs to be talked about. Children should be able to talk about anything within reason, in the classroom. If it isn't discussed even a little bit, they won't be able to understand a situation concerning sexuality and then they won't know how to react to it. Informing the children that it is ok to talk about these things is a way for them to share their own thoughts and feelings.

"Arguments suggesting that LGBT teachers refrain from discussing their relationships within the school fail to acknowledge that children themselves might benefit from the openness of LGBT role models for a variety of reasons: because they may identify (or eventually identify) themselves as LGBT or just ‘different’, because they have gay or lesbian parents (Letts and Sears 1999; Kissen 2002) and because one of the duties of school is to prepare all children to live in a diverse society" (DePalma and Jennett 2007). 

I agree with these arguments about how a gay or lesbian teacher can be a role model for students who are LGBT. If these children don't see anyone in their situation or cannot talk to someone who understands, then how can they understand themselves? They might want to talk to someone, but they may be shy or embarrassed to say what they feel to their parents. If children don't learn a little about the real world while in school, they won't be prepared for situations that they may face in the future. The teachers may be afraid to come out to students, but they would feel more comfortable like Katie did. 

"As suggested, the session prompted a ‘meaningful’ discussion between one child and her mother that might not have happened otherwise."

If children can come home and discuss controversial topics with their parents that they would not have beforehand, then that is a good way for them to communicate. Learning about sexuality in school, makes it easier for them to relate and bring questions home to be answered, so that their parents don't have to explain something that they might not have felt comfortable doing. I think that it is better that it is taught in school, because they need to be taught about it someday, and if it isn't at home then it should be at school. 

http://www.publicschoolreview.com/articles/321



The link I have provided is an article about introducing the teaching of gay history in schools in California. There is controversy behind the bill, but it might be beneficial to students who identify as LGBT. They would learn about leaders who fought for gay and lesbian rights and that isn't an option that many students have. 

Question: How are students supposed to become educated and caring adults about controversial issues, if they are never informed throughout their education? The prejudice and ignorance that forms, is because people act and speak without being educated or educating themselves. If this topic was discussed more in schools, then it would be easier for children to acknowledge that it exists and understand it better.