August

After reading the article Safe Spaces, I've learned not only that the LGBT community is still suffering but that it needs to have their own safe spaces. To not be judged. To not be "tolerated." But, instead to be accepted and to be apart of our community. To become a whole. I believe that the LGBT community should be welcomed into our schools and other communities, not ignored. How is the LGBT community any different than other communities? What is so wrong with same sex marriages or being transgender? You love who you love just like how you have the right to be who you want to be. 

 "Tammy Aaeberg spoke to this challenge in the aftermath of her 15-year-old son's suicide." "Justin, a promising musician, was bullied because of his sexual orientation" (August 84). 

In the beginning of the article, a story about how a teenage boy committed suicide because he was isolated due to his sexuality left me in frustration. The result of Tammy Aaeberg's son's suicide must of left her feeling helpless. I not only feel for her family but for Justin too. The fact that he felt like suicide was the only way out and that he had no where or no one to turn to is what I feel like is wrong with today's society. How hard is it to accept the fact that not everyone is heterosexual? Heterosexuality portrays an individual as sharing a form of normality. That it's "socially acceptable." In my opinion, I feel as though an individual shouldn't be judged on sexual orientation and that there is no ideal sexual orientation. According to August, the goal is to make safe spaces for the LGBT community, to make those who share a different sexual orientation or are transgender to feel safe. Also, to welcome the LGBT community into our communities and into schools. 

"And, yes, a little angry because the teacher assumed her sweetheart was a boy." "Maria's lived reality as a young lesbian was erased by the teacher's red pen" (August 88). 

An example of how schools negatively handle the LGBT community, is when this young woman Maria, was assumed to be straight even though she is a lesbian and is open about her sexuality. Her teacher corrected her when she put the feminine form of the word "sweetheart" and changed it to the masculine. The amount of disrespect she must of felt, how could a teacher discriminate one of their students? I would of been filled with absolute disgust.

"In these instances, teachers missed opportunities to invite discussion, challenge stereotypes, and raise awareness of privilege and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity" (August 96). 

I agree with this because I feel like LGBT related topics are silenced in some classrooms. I think that its healthy and will lead to positive results if the straight community becomes familiar with the LGBT community. There shouldn't be such a huge gap between our communities and the LGBT community most definitely should be isolated in schools nor discriminated. In conclusion, I think it would avoid issues like discrimination and stereotypes and instead bring our communities together if we take the time and effort to build an equal community.

Talking point to share in class: Do you believe that we should be taught in our classrooms about the LGBT community?