EDUC 2301: Introduction to Special Populations Learning from LGBTQ Stories Chapter 11 A Changing Society

CULTURAL FACTOR 1: HISTORICAL AND CURRENT TREATMENT IN THE UNITED STATES Bullough (1979), identified major societal reactions to gay people throughout history as having ranged from 1)tolerance during Greek times to 2)societal and religious condemnation of homosexual behavior as sinful, criminal, and medically pathological to 3)widespread societal discrimination to 4) treatment that recognizes varying degrees of rights and acknowledgement of gay and lesbian culture. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Current Conditions In 30 states, LGBT citizens can be fired on the basis of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity without any legal recourse, and as many as 39 percent of LGBT workers continue to experience some sort of workplace discrimination or harassment. Discrimination at both the macro level (for example, health insurance and partner-benefit laws) as well as at the micro level (involving daily personal interactions) continue. Gays and lesbians face economic discrimination as well as a result of heterosexism in hiring, promotion, and firing practices. Americans feel strongly–on both sides–about gay marriage. –53% believe government should give legal recognition to same sex marriages –48% favor banning gay marriage by constitutional amendment –55% believe the issue of gay marriage is a state level issue

CULTURAL FACTOR 2: INITIAL TERMS OF INCORPORATION INTO U.S. SOCIETY In Kinsey’s (1948) study, 50 percent of males were found to be exclusively heterosexual, 4 percent were categorized as exclusively homosexual, and the remaining 46 percent fell somewhere in between. LGBTQ individuals were incorporated into U.S. society in the dichotomous portrayal of sexual identity that was introduced by Kinsey. There was no definition for heterosexuality as normative and correct until homosexuality was identified and defined as different and incorrect. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Kinsey’s “Science” There are a number of instances where Kinsey's published claims about numerical or factual data - claims with important implications if true - are now believed to be misleading or false. Williams Institute from UCLA Statistics in 2011 –1.8% bisexual –1.7 % gay –0.3% transgendered

2010 U.S. Census 650,000 same-sex couples 131,729 same-sex couples checked “husband” or “”wife” boxes on the census forms, the first time same-sex partners could do so (higher than the actual number of legal marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships

CULTURAL FACTORS 3 & 4: SHARED VALUES, AND SPIRITUALITY The vast majority of gay and lesbian people live much the same as their heterosexual counterparts, seeking long-term relationships and raising families. However, discrimination and violence against gays (hate crimes) and the prohibition of gays and lesbians to marry create a common cause for advocacy that brings the gay community together—making up an important element of gay culture. As a whole, LGBTQ community members tend to value that which is valued by many in society—authenticity, acceptance, safety, freedom, and community. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

CULTURAL FACTOR 5: ACCULTURATION AND EXPERIENCE WITH EXCLUSION AND ALIENATION Identifying oneself as an LGBTQ individual and disclosing this to other people is often referred to as coming out. Coming out may be a positive or negative experience depending on the level of acceptance and supports present. Once LGBTQ individuals make their sexual orientation known to members of dominant culture, they face pervasive exclusion and alienation. Many openly LGBTQ persons in the United States experience isolation and treatment as second-class citizens. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

CULTURAL FACTOR 6: LANGUAGE DIFFERENCES, STRENGTHS, AND CHALLENGES Language is used to discriminate against members of the LGBTQ group. Terms like, fag, queer, dyke, and butch have been used to denigrate LGBTQ individuals. But, gay and lesbian people have reclaimed terms that are used to discriminate against them, and have redefined slurs through double entendre with new meanings that serve to lift up rather than tear down members of this group. The use of antigay slurs in U.S. schools is rampant and likely to be heard by LGBTQ students daily. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

POTENTIAL BARRIERS IN LEARNING–TEACHING RELATIONSHIPS WITH DOMINANT-CULTURE TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS Many gay students go through the school day fearing violence and harassment from school staff and their peers. For these students, the stress and anxiety encountered inhibit their ability to learn. It is imperative that existing facilitative conditions in schools be broadened and enhanced to recognize and include alternative family structures and participate in advocacy for the rights of LGBTQ students and families. ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Group Reflection and Discussion Activity 1. What does the process of “coming out” involve? 2. What experiences that LGBTQ students commonly confront in schools negatively affect their development and achievement? ©2012 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved.

Professional Educators’ Responsibility Their role requires that they not limit the potential of any student. Culturally responsive teaching celebrates each student as part of the learning community. Teachers and administrators should confront colleagues and students who engage in name-calling and harassment and ensure that students are not being discriminated against for any reason.