It is so incredibly important for students to feel comfortable in their own skin. How can one possibly sit through 6 hours of school without feeling accepted, valued, and celebrated for who they are? It is critical that teachers educate themselves on trans-affirmative programming which promotes inclusivity and acceptance of trans and gender fluid students. The fact of the matter is that there are still strides to be made in order to see these changes come into fruition. I have seen it first hand in my placement schools. Teachers just are not equipped with the knowledge nor the resources to create trans-affirmative changes in schools in order to support 2SLGBTQI students.
Real change requires a grassroots movement which starts at home. The hostile rhetoric which persists surrounding those who identify as 2SLGBTQI can only be reversed if families educate themselves and foster positive dialogue about respect, inclusivity, and empathy. I for one will always strive to show my students that we are all the same on the inside and we should always act with courage, kindness, and warmth. It is not enough to send out a module for teachers to complete. Rather, there should be information sessions put in place where these topics can be discussed and explored at a human level. Real change can only be seen and felt if everyone in the school environment is open to such change. We are all human and we all deserve a place in this world regardless of our pronouns, what we wear, and who we love.
References
Four Step Guide to Supporting 2SLGBTQI Students (2024). J. Masciarelli. Eagle.ca. Niagara University Ontario.
Karishma@NU OTECA
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