This week we watched the video "Start Seeing Diversity video sections on "Gender" and "Sexual Orientation" which provided us with examples of anti-bias education and the steps that individuals must implement for it successfully. This video focused on bias-related to sexual orientation, known as homophobia (Laureate Education). Homophobia is any attitude, action, or institutional practice that subordinates people because of their sexual orientation as lesbian, gay, or bisexual ( Laureate Education).
In my childhood years, I feel like we picked up and said phrases to others that we actually did not understand the full meaning of it and how hurtful it can be to someone who is affected by that term. One time that I remember vividly was when my twin brother and I were messing around on social media and we were commenting back and forth to each other about something. We used the term " fag" not realizing that our aunt could see the post. Well, she commented and wrote to us in paragraphs explaining how that word is offensive to her, her LGBT community, and for us to not say that word again. We felt so uncomfortable, awkward, sad, and sorry for not realizing what is actually meant and for hurting someone so close to us.If a parent/family member informed me they did not want anyone who is perceived (or self-reported) homosexual or transgender to be caring for, educating, and/or interacting with their child I would respond by explaining to them about diversity and how families look different. Some children have two moms, some children may have two dads or some children may be raised with a mom and dad, some children may not have a mom or they may not have a dad and some children may be raised by an extended family member. Therefore, it is essential to discuss and teach children about how all family dynamics are different but everyone is loved, respected, and valued. Every individual is unique. Regardless of anyone's beliefs about homosexuality or transgender, it is essential to teach children about acceptance and diversity.
Reference
Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d). Start seeing diversity: Sexual orientation [ Video file]. Retrieved from http:// class.waldenu.edu
