November 14, 2021
Only 20 states have laws against bullying on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity, and Missouri isn’t one of them. This provides space for exclusion and discrimination against LGBTQ students. This means we need to work extra hard to support them socially because of the lack of legal support across the country.
Even if you are not a part of the LGBTQ+ community, there are many things you can do to help support them. Teachers can visually and physically show support to the LGBTQ+ community through signs or posters in your classroom, and address class expectations that could surround the LGBTQ+ community. Use inclusive words. For example, say “everyone” instead of “ladies and gentlemen” when addressing a group. This helps to better include the gender fluid, agender and non-binary students in the school.
Another way that teachers specifically can help people in the LGBTQ+ community is by making a simple Google form.
For three years now, Theater teacher Amie Gossett created a Google form for students to fill out at the beginning of each semester. On the form, Gossett asks her students for their pronouns, name(s) and when the different scenarios that it is okay to use. Gossett also includes a question at the end which asks students if they want to have any further discussion about gender or pronouns, and when it is okay to use specific pronouns.
“I wanted to make sure students knew that if they wanted to use specific pronouns in the classroom that they are safe to do so,” Gossett said. “This helps me relate to them and be able to represent how they identify because I think that is most important in the classroom. I want them to be as comfortable as possible here. I want to take that uneasiness off the table. My thing is everyone is accepted, so why not make students as comfortable as possible.”
“This gives them a place to be represented how they wish to be. There are a lot of students throughout the school who can’t be who they really are at home so giving them that place where they can be who they want to be so I want to be the person to be able to provide that. — Amie Gossett
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For example, some students would be okay using pronouns in class but not in front of parents. Or maybe they only want to have those pronouns used in direct and private conversations. This is also why it is important to use this as some kind of worksheet and not a discussion with the whole class, because students who don’t want to be out to a large group of people may feel like they have to lie about pronouns.
Teachers aren’t the only people who can make a difference in the lives of members of the LGBTQ+ community. Students, if you use the correct pronouns, respect personal boundaries, and treat everyone equally, you are helping out just as much as a teacher who creates an equal opportunity classroom. Treat everyone equally because they are important and they matter.
Something that everyone can do is self-educate! Reading this article is a great start to your research. If you don’t understand something, Google it or respectfully ask someone you know who is in the LGBTQ+ community. But at the same time, it is important to respect people and their boundaries. So with general questions, you want to respect other people’s time and see if you can find an answer online before asking someone.
Know what pronouns to use for yourself and others and respect when people want their names used and their dead names used. When you ask a person their pronouns and when to use them respectfully, they will appreciate it more than you think. And finally, avoid microaggressions that could negatively impact someone and choose your words wisely. So, what can be done to better understand and support the LGBTQ+ community? When you meet someone new or are introduced to a new culture, you should be respectful, self-educate (research) and ask questions. A great place to ask additional questions would be at GSA Club on Wednesdays during Ac Lab 1st Module.
“No matter who you are or what you believe in, helping people and showing kindness can go a long way,” Allendorph said.
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