Blog Post #5

One distinction that Eric Rofes points out is that, "We can see queer youth and other outsiders as vulnerable or fragile, but we can also see them as daring, powerful, and rebellious."  At my high school, there was no one that came out as lesbian or gay. As we talked about this in class, it became obvious that it may have been due to fear. As accepting as students were at my school, I wish we would have been more willing to make it openly known that it was alright to become open about being lesbian or gay.  No one wants to be seen as being "vulnerable or fragile", we must treat everyone, as Rofes says, as if they are daring and powerful.
Rofes talks a lot about children being influenced with what they learn as a child. If a child is put in a position, such as a teacher being homophobic, the child, idolizing the teacher, may grow up to believe those same beliefs even if they are negative and disrespectful. As a teacher, we should be accepting and loving towards all of our students no matter their differences. We can not show bias towards certain students or make them feel unsafe in their learning environment.
Rofes states, "As teachers, parents, and supportive adults, we can take the liberal path and attempt to prevent slurs and protect those who need protection from violence". This statement was powerful to me because not only does it address the topic of LGBT but also a wide variety of bulling issues that are going on in schools today. Students remember their teachers, it is clear to all of us as we discuss them in class, whether it be the good or the ugly, they left an impact on our lives. We, as future educators, need to provide a safe and supportive environment for our future students.
The school I hope to teach at in the future will be one of openness and love. No matter who walks through the halls, or into the classroom, we will accept them. Although this seems impossible because there will always be some hate in the world, I hope the students who do not accept all students, will be willing to respectfully listen to them and understand where they are coming from. It is one thing to not agree with someones decision, but it is another to be disrespectful about it.