How can you expect students to be fully engaged in the classroom if they feel unsafe or unsupported? LGBTQ+ students are up to four times more likely than other students to miss school because they don't feel safe. Teachers who value an inclusive, supportive classroom will help create an environment where these students feel welcomed and encouraged to learn, not stigmatized or alienated by others. Here are some ways to make your classroom more welcoming, whether you're teaching at the elementary school level or the college level.
Why is LGBTQ+ Education So Important?
Historically, societies have marginalized communities who identify as LGBTQ+. While we have made progress in recent years—with many countries declaring LGBTQ+ History Month during October to recognize the impact the LGBTQ+ individuals have had on history—there is still a lot of work to be done.
Promoting an inclusive education that values diversity and each student's distinctive contributions to the classroom can bring a better quality of education for all students. Read on to learn more about the importance of having an inclusive classroom that is a safe space for all students.
What's in a Name? Everything!
It would be helpful if teachers, faculty, staff, and students honor and use the pronoun students would like to use. In doing so, it brings about a safe space for all involved while promoting inclusivity and equality. Discover students’ preferred pronouns and names by giving the class a “Get to Know You” survey on the first day of class.
You might be wondering, “What do the letters in the LGBTQIA+ acronym stand for, and how can I better understand and incorporate the importance of having safe places in my school?”
The acronym LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) is often used for conciseness. However, the complete form is LGBTIAAQQPP+. That particular abbreviation stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, androgynous, queer, questioning, pansexual, and polyamorous.
The LGBTQ+ acronym serves a significant purpose- not only is it intended to be more inclusive, but it is meant to be a way to distinguish different gender identities and sexual orientations. A person might think that there's no harm in saying one over the other, but the opposite is true; the difference is quite enormous. In saying that, we ought to be quick to listen and mindful in learning the acronyms mentioned above, respectfully.
Provide a Safe Place.
In a classroom environment, educators need to make sure that all students feel safe and comfortable.
The American education organization GLSEN, which focuses on ensuring safe and affirming schools for all students, has many resources for teachers and school administrators to assist with providing a safe environment for LGBTQ+ students. . They also provide free curricula and lesson plans for educators with elementary, middle, and high school students.
Additionally, the organization’s No Name-Calling Week, where the tools and inspiration to launch an ongoing dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in students’ communities and its Facebook group called Educator Forum, are helpful and convenient resources to refer to during the academic school year. The mentioned social media group is designed for educators to communicate and share ideas and help to create safer schools for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
Last but certainly not least, something as easy as hanging a safe place poster similar to the one in GLSEN's safe place kit is an easy way to show students that you welcome and stand in solitary with those who identified as LGBTQ+ and against any homophobic bullying.
Stand Up and Don't Stand for Homophobic Bullying.
In addition to providing a safe place for their students, teachers and school administrators should strive to be their students’ allies as well: According to GLSEN, an ally is someone "who speaks out and stands up for a person or group" that others target and discriminate against because of prejudices and homophobia. They added, "An ally works to end oppression by supporting and advocating for stigmatized, discriminated against, or treated unfairly." Homophobic comments should have no place on any school campus, so stand up for equality! You could make a big difference—not just for LGBTQ+students but also for everyone else at your school.
Incorporate Inclusive Material Into Your Classroom.
In order to have an inclusive classroom, it’s imperative to approach teaching with an open mind. Include material on gender identity, race, ethnicity, class, and culture into your lesson plans. You can also discuss historical contributions made by individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. Now, I'm not saying revamp your entire curriculum; I'm simply saying, add to it. Teaching about people of different cultures is one step toward creating a welcoming classroom for all students.
You might ask, "How can I support students who identify as LGBTQ+?" Some teachers may wish to assist in making policies that ensure their classrooms are safe spaces. Others may decide it is best not to acknowledge their identities and treat them like any other student; I would advise against the latter route. Acknowledgment is power. It's essential to recognize the unique attributes that students bring, celebrate, embrace, and learn from differences.
Pursue Professional Development on LGBTQ+ Topics.
Let’s all admit that a lot of this is new to many of us, and at first, the whole concept could be a bit of a challenge. That’s why it’s crucial to seek out professional development. There are many resources available to educators online for learning how to create a more welcoming classroom environment for everyone. The Human Rights Campaign provides resources on their website that offer suggestions on how teachers can address LQBTQ+ topics in their classrooms through lesson plans.
Teach For America created a guide full of tips on how to eliminate transphobia in schools. One of these tips includes using inclusive language in discussions concerning identity so that no student feels left out or discouraged from class participation. It's also helpful to know how schools and districts handle policies related to bullying and harassment.
Design a Survey to Better Connect With Students.
A straightforward way to help support LGBTQ+ students is to create a survey to measure your school’s environment. This guide from GLSEN will help you do just that while teaching you about what matters most to LGBTQ+ students. It’s important to remember that schools can be a callous place for these students, so it’s essential we create welcoming environments where they feel supported and protected.
How to Prevent Microaggressions
One of the most common causes for hurt feelings and misunderstandings is microaggressions—brief, everyday exchanges that send denigrating messages to specific individuals because of their group membership. For example, the comment, “God made Adam and Eve, Not Adam and Steve." This microaggression is totally insulting and condescending. Do not permit such microaggressions in your class.
During the first week of school, I would suggest that teachers create standards of responsibility and behavior for working together with their students. Additionally, teach students that even with good intentions in mind, it can negatively impact others.
Teach the value in, sincerely apologizing, reflecting on the words said, and rephrasing when a microaggression is used, regardless of the intent. The bottom line is, microaggressions of any form, no matter the intent, must not go unchecked. Microaggressions harm classroom climate and culture, which in turn affects instruction; negatively. I'm positive you don't want that.
Conclusion
We must support LGBTQ+ students both inside and outside of our classrooms. Creating a welcoming environment can help students feel more comfortable participating in class, asking questions, and making connections with classmates. Although it takes intentional effort to make space for everyone, doing so is ultimately beneficial for everyone involved. Creating an inclusive environment is more critical than ever in education and beyond in an increasingly diverse world.
Therefore, be supportive when you see someone struggling or feeling alone. Speak up when you see unfair treatment or hostility against students. Always be open to hearing from people who have different experiences from yours. If we want to understand one another and work together to build stronger communities, then these simple acts are critical pieces of what it means to embrace diversity in our schools.
Q&A
How can I support my LGBTQ+ students First, educate yourself on the subject. Second, create a safe place for ALL students. Third, create a survey to determine students' desired names and pronouns. Then implement it. This will be challenging for some instructors but as long as your students see you making a conscious effort, students will give you grace and have mutual respect for you. Students realizing you support them no matter what is crucial for their emotional and academic well-being.
How can I stand up against homophobic bullying? - Stand up against bullying by speaking out. Be vocal about your school's policies on bullying and harassment and let students know that these behaviors are unacceptable and will not be tolerated in school the school environment.
Where can I find other resources on LGBTQ topics? - Look into resources offered through your district and state education boards. Additionally, I have provided several links in this article that have LGBTQ+ resources. Reading the article "Lead with Love: Advice for Parents of LGBTQ+ Youth" is helpful as well. It gives actual life perspectives from parents of LGBTQ+ youth, and it also provides resources at the end of the article.