Monday June 17

Today's reading was Does Anyone have a Band-Aid? Anti-Homophobia Discourses and Pedagogical Impossibilities - Lori MacIntosh

As educators we need to remember that the curriculum is heteronormative, as is the way that we deliver it.  Typically issues of homophobia are dealt with in "one time only interventions" and not integrated into the curriculum.  The classroom and curricula are not exempt from social issues. 

in the classroom heteronormativity is unquestioned.  Often anything other than hetero is seen as the other.  Educating in the traditional way about sexuality and difference is still part of the heteronormative ideology.   In participating in GSA groups LGBT  students (and educators) are always categorized as the other. 

What is at the heart of homophobia (same with racism and sexism)?  Is it the fear of the unknown, fear of the unfamiliar, fear of the not norm? 

We need to keep asking what is it to be masculine or feminine?

what language is used for heternormality to gain power?

It is not the derogatory terms, it is the socialization that goes behind it to gain power

Dominance isn't just about numbers, it is about who sets the rules and how are they inforced. 

Queer pedagogy can not just be an add on.  Need to learn how to discus the difficult issues, and need to acknowledge heteronormative privilage.  Must learn to question the fixity of identity norms. 

What does Normal mean?

            Normal means something different to every individual

as teachers - it has everything to do with what we do and what we say in class.  what experiences are " normal" what do we consider normal?

The Video shown in class today "Love is all you need" was extremely well done.  It is the counter narrative/counterpoint to every  "reason" why homophobia exists and is accepted.   I realize that there are students who are going through the same issues highlighted in the video and I need to have sensitivity if showing the video.  That being said if it was used in a way where perhaps it was stopped after every "hetero" slur or every instance of "heterophobia" and discussed as to how it made the hetero people in the class feel, how it is not right from any kind of reasonable perspective and how jakdmfjoweirjiowe fimc

Interesting how when you turn the tables how it makes you aware of every little detail

What are the root causes of homophobia?

What are the questions to ask parents, students after this?

What does the term heteronormaltivity mean?

            belief that everyone is hetero

            belief that hetero is the norm

           

We think in categories but in the video you see how nuanced it is, how emotional it is.  If you don't see the counter narrative you think people have a choice of who you are.

In the schools GSA  spaces often are the only place where the students feel safe.  It is a good place to start but it must be adopted as part of the school culture.   Hetero students and teachers need to join the GSA as Allies.  This is will not be easy as it is a disruption to the "commonsense" culture of the school.  It is also important to remember that just because the GSA exists doesn't mean that the issue is dealt with and there is no need to keep up the fight.