"All children deal with LGBTQ issues, possibly at home and/or at school. Children watch TV and movies that discuss, satirize, and ridicule LGBTQ people. Our obligation as educators is to confront stereotypes and address inappropriate language . . ."
-- From "Only in San Francisco, literally" posted by Jill Tucker on the San Francisco Chronicle blog 4/20/09
San Francisco school officials have created a new Web site with resources to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. It's apparently the only site of its kind in the country.
. . . It also includes this note (perhaps just in case Rush Limbaugh or is listening):
"A discussion about gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning people does not constitute a discussion about human sexuality or family life education and does NOT require parent notification according to the California Education Code."
From "Teaching homosexuality, no parents needed" by Drew Zahn © 2009 WorldNetDaily 4/20/09
"April is Gay Pride Celebration!" touts the website's home page. "Check out some of the event options in our 'Host an Activity' section."
In addition to the "Host an Activity" section, loaded with suggestions on how teachers can celebrate Gay Pride Month in their classrooms, the website includes dozens of resources, including district policies on sexual expression and discrimination issues, curriculum for teaching on LGBTQ issues, a list of district-approved speakers and presentations, studies, and testimonials from school officials on how they're making their schools more friendly to LGBTQ students.
The site includes links to other organizations supportive of LGBTQ students and families, a glossary defining various vocabulary terms on sexual diversity, and detailed policies on handling LGBTQ issues – including an anti-slur policy, parental notification policies, and policies on dealing with transgender issues, such as how to address transgender students and which bathrooms and locker rooms they are allowed to use.
To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.
