Because of the current visibility of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) issues, all educators will at some time be expected to respond in a professional manner when a question or activity about homosexuality or gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender issues arises. Examples include:
- Lesbian or gay parents or siblings of a student in your classroom
- Same-sex couples wanting to go to the prom
- Students coming out of the closet in an essay or in person
- A student wearing jewelry or clothing that shows "Gay Pride"
- Discussions of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered issues - student's questions or in curriculum
- Staff/students wanting to put up a display case about Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual History Month (October)
- Teachers putting up supportive posters in their classrooms
- Working with openly GLBT teachers
- Counselors/teachers putting up hotline numbers including those of gay and lesbian community centers
- Requesting speakers representing the gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered community, to ensure inclusive curriculum
- Instances of anti-gay harassment and violence against teachers and students (gay and non-gay)
- Forming a Gay-Straight Alliance as a recognized club
Adapted with permission from Project 10 Handbook: Addressing Lesbian and Gay Issues in Our Schools, LA, CA: Friends of PROJECT 10, 1989), p. 54.
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