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I have no problem with incorporating the contributions of historically significant GLBT Americans into history texts/classes. The problem is that until very recently, there were very few historically significant (I can't think of any) self-proclaimed homosexual Americans, so, who, exactly, would be included? You can't teach historical supposition as historical fact.
The last 50 years are replete with facts regarding the gay movement and the contributions of openly gay Americans, which are already being discussed in many classrooms in many schools across this nation. However, before that, the pickings are slim, so how would you create a curriculum for a pre mid 20th century GLBT history?
I agree with you that incorporating gay issues into current lessons about literature and history is the way to go, for the most part.
You asked about how to create a curriculum for a GLBT history class. As I said earlier, I think the information at this link would be a good start for an elective class on the subject:
Unfortunately, the radical, militant, gay activists have harmed the "cause".
No, the anti-gay community is simply too hyponitized by genetalia to realize that radical gays make up a laughably small portion of the GLBT community.
I agree with you that incorporating gay issues into current lessons about literature and history is the way to go, for the most part.
You asked about how to create a curriculum for a GLBT history class. As I said earlier, I think the information at this link would be a good start for an elective class on the subject:
I went through that timeline when you first posted the link. Not a lot in there that's historically significant re early, middle American History.
I was a high school teacher in very urban S. Florida. Almost all of our 40+ high schools have gay/straight alliance organizations, and openly gay students are (generally) easily accepted by their fellow students. Even given these favorable conditions I think it would be hard to get the community to accept a high school elective class in LGBT history. I suspect it would be even harder in smaller, less urban areas.
I went through that timeline when you first posted the link. Not a lot in there that's historically significant re early, middle American History.
I was a high school teacher in very urban S. Florida. Almost all of our 40+ high schools have gay/straight alliance organizations, and openly gay students are (generally) easily accepted by their fellow students. Even given these favorable conditions I think it would be hard to get the community to accept a high school elective class in LGBT history. I suspect it would be even harder in smaller, less urban areas.
I hear ya. I actually modified my opinion as this thread went on. At first I could imagine an LGBT History Week or something similar, but then as I realized how controversial that might be to many, I settled on what, I think, most people could support: If a historical figure was gay or heavily rumored to be gay (or bisexual, or whatever), it could be worth mentioning as part of a lesson. As for a dedicated class or lesson on gay history, that might be something that is best left for colleges and universities to offer.
No, the anti-gay community is simply too hyponitized by genetalia to realize that radical gays make up a laughably small portion of the GLBT community.
Unfortunately, those are the ones who are most likely to "appear" in the news. Take prop 8 for example. After it was defeated, the radical, militant gays went on a witch hunt looking to intimidate, bully and out those who exercised their legal, private right to vote.
No, the anti-gay community is simply too hyponitized by genetalia to realize that radical gays make up a laughably small portion of the GLBT community.
One could argue that the "pro-gay" community was too hypnotized by the Mormon church to realize that venomously anti-gay individuals make up a laughably small portion of the Christian community. That certainly did not curb the protests or vandalism one bit.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ray1945
Even given these favorable conditions I think it would be hard to get the community to accept a high school elective class in LGBT history. I suspect it would be even harder in smaller, less urban areas.
As with most 'controversial' subjects, an elective LGBT history class would probably get started in a college setting before trickling down to urban schools. Most rural or small town schools can barely afford to offer the minimums, so I doubt they would end up in those classrooms without monetary incentive..
I can honestly say I'm a little surprised at the opposition here. But, then again, I guess this is a "sample" of the way people really feel about gays and lesbians, despite whatever claims they make about accepting gays and being champions for their rights. It just shows we have an incredibly long way to go. Just....wow .
I can honestly say I'm a little surprised at the opposition here. But, then again, I guess this is a "sample" of the way people really feel about gays and lesbians, despite whatever claims they make about accepting gays and being champions for their rights. It just shows we have an incredibly long way to go. Just....wow .
You mean, "we have an incredibly long way to go befor people accept it as normal", which it isn't. And we shouldn't be talking about it in the schools.
I'd be willing to bet that a case could be made that it is child abuse, if it were found that an individual parent were "teaching it" or worse "forcing it" on their children.
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