Investigating Oppression

LGBTQ

Sociodemographics:

In the U.S. LGBTQ is a pretty diversely represented. Studies and surveys have found that more women then men say they are LGBTQ, and they tend to be in the younger age range. The level of education they receive doesn't seem to be affected as much as what they make once they have gotten out into the working field.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/524387950336442654/

History:

This is a growing group, or maybe more accurately more people are coming out, claiming to be LGBTQ. Since the 1970's pride marches have been held for legal rights demonstrations and to celebrate LGBTQ. For those in the military there was a "Don't ask don't tell" policy going on and if you came out then you would discharged. Same sex marriage wasn't made legal in all of the U.S. until 2015. 

http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/events/2015/02/lgbt-history-month

Misunderstandings:

• that being gay is something that can be inherited because you spend a lot of time with someone who is gay. People think that children who are raised with gay parents, are going to become gay. 
• people choose to be gay. It's not a choice. 
• they are not religious. Many religions may discriminate toward them, but that doesn't mean they are not religious.
• many parents may think that it's just a phase and they will grow out of it. 

http://www.memecenter.com/search/gay%20marriage

How are they viewed:

For the longest time LGBTQ were really looked down upon. So much so that many would not come out. Youth would be so afraid to come out to their families and how they would react so they would just run away. Many families would even disown their children. But today, although not everyone is receptive of LGBTQ, it is a lot more accepted. More and more people are coming out. LGBTQ have been persecuted as criminals and viewed as abnormal or mentally ill. At first the media was not receptive of LGBTQ. Take for instance when Ellen DeGeneres came out. At the time she was on a sitcom "Ellen" and there was a lot of controversy over this and things spiraled down for her. But things did eventually pick up for her and we started seeing LGBTQ represented in many show. 

Positive coping strategies:

• support groups 
• talk to friends

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/201254677073232759/

How does this help me as a teacher?

Harassment of LGBTQ students is a big issue, and it needs to be addressed as any other harassment issue would be. So if we as teachers see any of this going on we need to stand up for them and say something. Even though LGBTQ have a right to report it and should it is going to be harder for them because they are the ones being attacked. Teachers need to be aware of the rights that LGBTQs have. There is usually a LGBTQ group at the high shool, make sure that this is known to the students. LGBTQ are still human beings and deserve to be treated as such. We as teachers, just as we should be aware of different cultures and how those are represented our classroom we need to be aware of the LGBTQ.