Strategies for teaching gender and sexual orientations in the classroom
To provide an optimal learning environment for female and male students
and gay and lesbian students, take into consideration the following:
- Provide students with lots of examples of females who are successful in roles that are traditionally labeled "male" by society.
- Provide students with lots of examples of males who are successful in roles that are traditionally labeled "female" by society.
- Challenge others when they make stereotypes about females and/or males.
- Do not create activities that force lesbian and gay students to lie or to expose themselves to the class.
- Address all homophobic remarks made in the classroom. Take advantage of the time to teach students about acceptance.
- Address your own stereotypes.
- Provide stories, discussions and exercises to help students understand the complexity and conflicts in a sympathetic and effective manner.
