How you would respond to a parent/family member who informed you 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 advise the parent/ family member that they should only look at the quality of the teacher rather than their gender. If the teacher is able to provide quality learning experience to their children and does not expose children to homophobic terms then they should give she/he a try. We cannot make them invisible. I would also inform them of the importance of being open-minded and respectful of others despite of their sexuality.
If you have ever used or heard homophobic terms such as "fag," “gay,” “homo,” "sissy," "tom boy," or “lesbo” as an insult by a child toward another child? Or, by an adult toward a child? Describe what occurred. How might these types of comments influence all children? (Note: if you have not had a personal experience ask a family member, friend, or colleague)
When I was a child my older sister would call my cousin Jarrod a sissy because he liked to play house with me. He always cried to spend the night at my house. Other people in my family would tell his mother that he had gay tendencies. Jarrod eventually came out when he was 14 years old. When he told my family that he was gay, no one appeared to be surprised because they always concluded that he would be gay. It is important that we do not label young children with homophobic terms because sometimes people become who you say they are.
