Blog Post #4 - Speaking the Unspeakable in Forbidden Places (Reflection)

          In "Speaking the Unspeakable in Forbidden Places: Addressing Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender equality in the Primary School" authors Allan, Atkinson, Brace, DePalma, and Hemingway discuss what it is like for teachers who are "out" to teach young children and student's reactions to gay and lesbian discussion. I enjoyed this article because I agree with the notion that children should be exposed to gay and lesbian relationships early. This is important so they don't get the notion that being gay is "weird" or "strange." It's necessary for a child to learn there are gay and lesbian people in the world so that when they get older, it's not an uncomfortable and strange notion to them. It is these kinds of feelings of confusion that I believe lead to gay and lesbian students being bullied and labeled an outcast.

          I thought this article was similar to the articles we have read in the past about certain racial groups feeling like outcasts just because they were a different color or looked slightly different from the Caucasian race. In this case however, it is a person's sexual identity which makes them feel like an outsider, which is equally as ridiculous. Just like African Americans not being able to see their race being represented on TV commercials and in greeting cards, as are homosexuals not being represented in mainstream society. Most Disney stories are told through a heterosexual lens, with the feminine princess falling in love with the masculine prince. That is why the teacher in this article dressed up as a slightly more masculine Cinderella, dubbed "Cindy" donning a leather jacket and tutu. Similar to most articles we have read thus far, "Speaking the Unspeakable" made me realize there are many problems that teachers can solve slowly but surely within the walls of the school system.

If you want to witness how children react to gay marriage first-hand, this video will give you good insight.