Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

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 let them know that a person's sexual orientation has no effect on how a person does their job. I also feel that a person's sexual orientation in a personal issue and if that person does not want to discuss their sexual orientation then they should have that right not to. As long as a person is doing their job to the fullest and children are learning on the level the should be it doesn't matter what a person is. People have a right to be private if they choose. I do know that children need to be exposed to diversity because as we all know we live in a very diverse world. 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) I have heard the term "that is so gay" used by young people in society. I have often been told that this is reference to something that is stupid or ignorant behavior. I often hear children use this term to refer to others who they think are gay. In today's soecity alot of times young children really don't know what these words mean, they are simply using them because they have heard an adult use them. Young children really don't have alot of concept to what "fag", "gay, and all of those words mean unless they have been taught in their home environment what those words mean. As an educator I think we need to explain to children the correct way to use these words and approach others when using these words. Again, as we all know we live in a very diverse world and chidlren will be exposed to alot of diverstiy in their lives but we must be prepared to help them understand.