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Showing posts with label lgbtq. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lgbtq. Show all posts

Saturday, 17 May 2014

Sharing a great bog post: Within and without the union: prejudices about the BCTF



I recently came across a great blog post, Within and without the union: prejudices about the BCTF, from a teacher who previously worked in a Catholic school and was not a fan of unions. He starts his post with a goal to figure out why the BCTF is so disliked:

I guess that I belong to the most despised union in the province. I’m not whimpering. It’s just a fact. The BC Teachers Federation gets a lot of nasty press. And I try to understand why that might be. To do so, I have to cast my memory back to my pre-union days.
I taught in a Catholic independent school for 11 years. And there was no union. As you can probably guess, a couple of decades ago, some of the BCTF proclivities didn’t play well with Catholics. For one thing, there was the issue of support for LGBTQ realities that the Church would have preferred to deny, but there was more. The Church was terrified of unions.
He then shares his story about when his Catholic school staff tried to create a union after the firing of a teacher because she was divorced and planning to remarry. Next he lists some reasons he believes BCTF is disliked...and Finally he wraps up with this gem....

The tax argument, however, is spurious. The same level of vitriol is never issued when people buy gasoline or groceries. People don’t curse the multimillionaire bank CEO’s when they get ding’d a-buck-fifty at the ATM just for taking out their own money. (By the way, when bank machines first came out, they were free to use, and still people were reluctant, as we knew that the banks were saving huge money laying off tellers). But for some reason, they don’t want to pay tax dollars for a system of universal education that is run and delivered by professionals. They say that in today’s economy we can’t afford it, which is funny, because our modern economy generates more wealth than ever before in history, yet as a percentage of GDP we funded schools much better in the past.
I’ve come to look at the issue as one that I just have to live with. I have worked a few different jobs in my life, finally coming to teaching, and I can say that teaching is most definitely the hardest job I’ve ever done. It can be very rewarding at times – not lately though, considering how hard the government has been working to discredit us. (It really doesn’t feel good when your boss tries to goad you into a fight). But that ‘s a story for my previous blog post.

Please go enjoy the entire blog post. It is very well written and touches on a lot of important topics.

Read entire post here

Friday, 16 May 2014

15 Children’s Books That Smash Stereotypes

Love this list of books.... it is so important to teach acceptance and diversity!

15 Children’s Books That Smash Stereotypes

#1.  Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun

     Having the Courage to be an Individualby Maria Dismondy
     Winner of:
     Gold Mom’s Choice Award
     Eric Hoffer Award
Lucy is one of a kind, and mean Ralph loves to point that out. Lucy’s defining moment comes when Ralph truly needs her help. Because she knows what she stands for, Lucy has the courage to make the right choice. This charming story empowers children to always do the right thing and to be proud of themselves even when they are faced with someone as challenging as Ralph

#2.  Roland Humphrey is Wearing a What?

Roland Humphreyby Eileen Kiernan-Johnson
The story of a little boy’s quest to be his authentic self, dressed in pink and festooned with sparkles, in a world that frowns upon boys who like “girly” things.  
Written in verse with bright illustrations, Roland Humphrey is Wearing a WHAT? playfully raises important questions about gender norms, acceptance, and true friendship.


#3.  My Mom is a Firefighter

firefighting momby Lois G. Grambling
Billy has two families—his mom and dad, and his firehouse “uncles,” who work with his mom. Having a firehouse family is lots of fun. But Billy also knows that firefighters have an important job to do, protecting people and putting out dangerous fires. 

From award-winning author Lois G. Grambling and New York Times bestselling illustrator Jane Manning comes a heartfelt story of a little boy who wants to be just like his mom when he grows up.

#4  Princesses Can Be Pirates Too!

pirate princessesby Christi Zellerhoff
Who says girls can’t play boys’ make-believe games too? “No Girls Allowed,” will simply NOT do for this little Princess! “Princesses Can Be Pirates Too!” proves that just because a girl is wearing a gold crown and a pink fluffy dress doesn’t mean she can’t act like a pirate just as good as any boy. Yes- even a refined and dainty princess can become a rough and tumble pirate!
This is the playful and empowering premise of “Princesses Can Be Pirates Too!” “A princess can do what a pirate can too; she can captain a ship and take charge of the crew..”. “Should unfriendly pirates try climbing aboard, she can fend off the foes with a swoosh of her sword!” are just a few of the things this feisty princess can do in this humorous interpretation and approach to a pirate’s life with a princess’ sense of style.

#5.  Lenny Has Lunch

lenny lunchby Ken Wilson-Max
This is a wonderful book for early childhood that tells the tale of Lenny in the kitchen with Daddy. While Daddy prepares lunch, Lenny plays along. This simple and endearing story of parent and child sharing an everyday activity is perfect for reading with young toddlers.
It has been created by a well-respected and successful author and illustrator of children’s books as a part of the series of books featuring the hugely appealing character, little Lenny.


#6.  Jacob’s New Dress

Kindle Edition of Jacobs New Dressby Sarah and Ian Hoffman
When young Jacob wants to wear a dress to preschool, his parents must make a decision.  Should they deny his request and try to save him from being bullied?  Do they encourage him to be true to himself, not societies gender norms, andl allow him to wear a dress?  These are difficult, even agonizing, decisions that can affect Jacob’s life for years to come.




#7.  Allie’s Basketball Dream

Allie Basketballby Barbara E. Barber
Ever since she saw her first game at Madison Square Garden Allie has been hooked on basketball. When her father buys Allie her very own basketball she can’t wait to play.  But her confidence takes a tumble when the older boys at the neighborhood courts laugh at her first attempts.  Allie doesn’t give up easily and keeps practising so she can accomplish her dream.  A great book for teaching adversity in the face of negativity.




#8.  Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World

Justin-and-the-Best-Biscuits-in-the-World-1by Mildred Pitts Walter
Ten-year-old Justin thinks housework is for women, until he’s invited to his grandfather’s ranch. There, along with fishing, riding, and going to the rodeo, Justin learns about his black cowboy ancestors and that doing “women’s work”–even baking prize-winning biscuits–is part of taking care of himself.





cuban-americanby Mayra Lazara Dole
Even though nobody in her Cuban-American neighborhood thinks girls should play the drums, Chavi knows she was born to play. She drums on paint cans, sofa arms, even on her mother’s cheeks. Her favorites are the tumbadoras, conga drums. So, when she’s not picked to play on the school float for Calle Ocho—Miami’s Eighth Street carnaval—she decides to do something about it!



#10.  My Princess Boy

pink princessby Cheryl Kilodavis
A nonfiction picture book, based on the author’s son, about acceptance. It tells the tale of a 4-year-old boy who happily expresses his authentic self by enjoying “traditional girl” things like jewelry, sparkles or anything pink.
The goal of this book is to create a space in this world where children who are different, feel different or express themselves differently can be accepted for who they are.


#11.  Elena’s Serenade

Elenas-Serenade-Americas-Award-for-Childrens-and-Young-Adult-Literature.-Commended-0by Campbell Geeslin
A delightfully fresh take on the “anything you can do, I can do better” theme, Elena’s Serenade follows a feisty little Mexican girl on a quest to prove to her father–and herself–that she can be a glassblower, even if she is a girl. Magic realism abounds as Elena journeys (dressed as a boy) to Monterrey to learn from the great glassblowers.



#12.  Daddy’s Wedding

gay marriageby Michael Willhoite
In the sequel to Daddy’s Roommate (1990, not reviewed), ten- year-old Nick is the “best man” at the commitment ceremony of his gay father and his partner, Frank. Nick’s mother, stepfather, and grandparents are delighted by the celebration, which takes place in a backyard and is officiated by a female minister.






#13.  Mommy, Mama and Me

Children's Book Mommy, Mama and Meby Leslea Newman
This book shares the loving bond between same-sex parents and their children.  Written in rhythmic text and illustrated with universal appeal, the story shows us a toddler spending the day with its mommies. From hide-and-seek to dress-up, then bath time and a kiss goodnight, there’s no limit to what a loving family can do together.



#14.  Who’s in a Family?

who's in a family bookby Robert Skutch
Family is important, but who’s in a family? Why, the people who love you the most!This equal opportunity, open-minded picture book has no preconceptions about what makes a family a family. There’s even equal time given to some of children’s favorite animal families. With warm and inviting jewel-tone illustrations, this is a great book for that long talk with a little person on your lap.




#15.  The Paper Bag Princess

The-Paper-Bag-Princess-Classic-Munsch-0by Robert Munsch
This is a classic tale of a beautiful princess named Elizabeth who is slated to marry Prince Ronald, when a dragon attacks the castle and kidnaps Ronald. In resourceful and humorous fashion, Elizabeth finds the dragon, outsmarts him, and rescues Ronald–who is less than pleased at her un-princess-like appearance.







See all the books here

Monday, 20 January 2014

UBC News: Gay-straight alliances in schools reduce suicide risk for all students

Gay-straight alliances in schools reduce suicide risk for all students

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Canadian schools with explicit anti-homophobia interventions such as gay-straight alliances (GSAs) may reduce the odds of suicidal thoughts and attempts among both sexual minority and straight students, according to a new study by University of British Columbia researchers.
Gay-straight alliances are student-led clubs that aim to make the school community a safer place for all students regardless of their sexual orientation. Their members include lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ) youth and their straight allies.
“We know that LGBTQ students are at higher risk for suicide, in part because they are more often targeted for bullying and discrimination,” says Elizabeth Saewyc, lead author of the study and professor with the UBC School of Nursing. “But heterosexual students can also be the target of homophobic bullying. When policies and supportive programs like GSAs are in place long enough to change the environment of the school, it’s better for students’ mental health, no matter what their orientation.”
LGBTQ youth and heterosexual students in schools with anti-homophobia policies and GSAs had lower odds of discrimination, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, primarily when both strategies were enacted, or when the polices and GSAs had been in place for three years or more.

Key findings:
In schools with gay-straight alliances implemented three or more years ago:
  • The odds of homophobic discrimination and suicidal thoughts were reduced by more than half among lesbian, gay, bisexual boys and girls compared to schools with no GSA.
  • There were also significantly lower odds of sexual orientation discrimination for heterosexual boys and girls.
  • Heterosexual boys were half as likely to attempt suicide as those in schools without GSAs.
In schools where anti-homophobic policies have been in place for more than three years:
  • The odds of suicidal thoughts and attempts for gay and bisexual boys were more than 70 per cent lower. Suicide attempts among lesbian and bisexual girls were two-thirds lower.
  • Heterosexual boys had 27 per cent lower odds of suicidal thoughts than heterosexual boys in schools without such policies.
 

Read more at Source

Sunday, 16 June 2013

B.C. Sexual Education: Updated Curriculum, but need more training to ensure inclusiveness

This article examines 'sex ed' in schools and changes coming:
Education advocates are calling on the incoming Minister of Education to ensure that all BC students, regardless of location, sexual orientation, or gender identity, receive comprehensive sex education under the revised curriculum that is slated for implementation in September.

Sex education is included in the curriculum for Health and Career Education K to 7, Health and Career Education 8 and 9 and Planning 10, which were last updated between 2005 and 2007. BC Teachers’ Federation vice president Glen Hansman says the sexual health component of these courses are being moved to what will be called Health and Physical Education.

“It is not known what the plan for implementation will be — what sorts of on-the-job training opportunities will be available for teachers, for instance, or what sort of updated learning resources will be available,” he says. “We’ve raised concerns that they are getting rid of Planning 10 where it’s housed and said to politicians that there needs to be plans to deal with this stuff. We’ll be raising it again with the new minister because we don’t have clear answers.”

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Education says that sex education will remain in the curriculum.

“Health and Career Education K to 7, Health and Career Education 8 and 9 and Planning 10 are still in place,” the spokesperson says. “A review of all curriculum is underway as part of the Ministry’s curriculum transformation. A team of BC teachers is currently reviewing the health curriculum component. Initial consultations have suggested that Health and PE curricula could be combined.”

Drafts of redesigned curricula are expected to be available for review this fall, the spokesperson says.

Hansman worries that the government does not have a plan to support the implementation of any new sexual education curriculum, especially if it’s housed under physical education.
 
He also notes that funding cuts have meant that there are few on-the-job training opportunities for teachers to get up to speed on the teaching of sexual health education.

Nor is there any systemic effort being made to ensure that sexual health education is queer-inclusive, with supports in place for both teachers and learners, he points out.

“Where are PE teachers supposed to go to teach this material responsibly and make sure that the teaching for sex ed is mindful of kids who may not self-identify as gay or lesbian but who may engage in same-sex sexual behaviour, or kids that are transitioning from one gender to another?” Hansman asks.

“Either people are relying on things they find on Google or experience in their own life, and that’s not good enough,” he says.

“I think you would be reasonable to say the large majority of young queer men do not get that education through the school system, and I think you could say the same goes for young queer women.”

Kristen Gilbert, senior health educator at Options for Sexual Health, Canada's largest non-profit provider of sexual health services, says BC teachers need more support and training in order to deliver sexual education that is inclusive of queer and trans students.

“I would say that it is entirely up to the teacher teaching how inclusive or not inclusive their lessons are,” she says. “There actually isn’t anything in the kindergarten through Planning 10 learning outcomes about ensuring that queer kids are represented in the curriculum.“

“The BC Ministry of Education needs to be specific about addressing the needs of queer students,” Gilbert says, “and teachers should learn in their pre-service training how to include all students in their lessons.”



READ MORE: http://www.xtra.ca/public/Vancouver/Are_phys_ed_teachers_the_best_people_to_teach_sex_ed_in_BC-13742.aspx

Saturday, 15 June 2013

Father's Day in a Two mother home....


This is such a great article that has me thinking about the stereotypical "gifts" that are often made as crafts in school.

Who here has ever received a Mother’s Day gift that did not feature flowers in some way? Who has ever received a Father’s Day gift that did not feature tools or neckties? It is in the nature of these gifts to be hopelessly generic and stereotypical.

This post talks about one family with two moms and how they approached Fathers Day recently... awesome read:


My first thought was to ask if the kid could be given a pass on Father’s Day this year, having just finished working twice as hard as the other kids for Mother’s Day, making two beautiful scrapbooked cards for his two mums. But, judging by this note, sitting out the activity was not an option. 
The teacher’s instructions to parents did note, with heartening sensitivity: “If for any reason a picture of Dad is not possible or … he is not present in your child’s life, feel free to have your child bring pictures of a favourite uncle, family friend or grandfather that they wish to make a gift for.” 
There was a time that we would have been grateful for this inclusiveness, but let’s face it, the kid is in Grade 4 now and he was in daycare from the age of 1, so we’ve been dealing with this awkward annual moment for at least eight years now. 
When our son was little, we would sit him down every spring and ask whom he would like to make a gift for – Gramps? Uncle Rod? Uncle Jim? – and then run interference with the teachers, making sure that they knew the situation and presenting a ready-made solution.
 My father has been the recipient of many Popsicle-stick masterpieces over the years, not just from the boy, but from his older sister. Frankly, Gramps already has more than enough receptacles for pens and his pennies gathering dust on his dresser. And while the boy does have other adult males in his life, we don’t necessarily have multiple pictures of them. 
More important, this whole business is starting to feel like a sham. Why should he have to come up with a fake father figure just so that he can kind of conform to what all the other kids are doing?
 




Read the rest here: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/parenting/fathers-day/what-happens-on-fathers-day-in-a-two-mother-home/article12493198/

Sunday, 28 April 2013

Love is all you need? Short Video

This short video is amazing. It looks at "heterophobia" and shows the real pain of hate by showing a world where "gay" and "straight" is reversed.