We can't have books that refer to homosexuality in our classrooms. Even if it's a vague reference. Parents would have our heads. Effing stupid.

Well, I'm getting to be better at thinking on my feet, but in this case it doesn't apply to defending. I have to be careful- anything construed as promotion would be a sore issue. I wouldn't dodge it- I think it's only fair to address it to the kids, should the conversation arise. I think, depending on the question, I would acknowledge that some people have different preferences than others. To be honest, though, as an untenured (for one more year) teacher, I would have to forward them to their parents for questions beyond that. Sometimes I'll sneak in the, "although people believe different things, you'll have to talk to your parents for what they think" sentence. It's fun to see the higher-thinking ones mull that one over. For me, it's really hard to watch my tongue, especially off the cuff.

For instance, if you've read my LJ lately, you've seen some of the stuff I've been chewing on regarding religion. Last week, we had a lesson on "wants and needs." The kids were talking about what humans need to survive and one of them said "God." I had to refute the idea and knew that even going into it would be dangerous, but it wasn't fair not to defend myself, even if it meant changing the way a bunch of them thought. Basically, I told them that there are people out there (ahem, and in there, but I didn't tell them that because essentially I can't..) who don't believe in God, and are they still alive? Of course, they had to say yes. I could tell I opened a lot of little eyes that day and I didn't take the conversation any further.

I would say that if there was a gay teacher at the school, it would be heavily frowned upon to have a picture of his/her partner on the desk (much less, to be open about it, which sucks). They can't legally outright tell them no, but there are ways to "handle" that kind of thing in this county. I would love to be able to have an open conversation if it were brought up, as far as it could go with such little ones, about the subject but you and I both know that there are unfortunately some things people will refuse to hear.

So, uh. Does that make sense?

... and since you're not allowed to discuss heterosexuality, either ("don't do it"), I guess we're left with asexual budding?

Sorry, I meant:

"Since abstinance-only education is the rule, and homosexuality is out, I guess we're left with budding"

(we should probably start a movement -- "The Gay Is Your Best Defense Against Teenage Pregnancy")

Ergh. Anyway, how can they know that gay-is-wrong if they aren't told?

These legislations make no sense on so many levels.

But seriously, it's more than a little threatening. You're not only damned to hell and a pedophile to boot, you also do not exist.

This makes me worry about the potentially gay or transgendered students in school. Why should they have to suffer and think they are alone just so parents don't get the heebee jeebees about what their kids are learning.

Gay and transgendered people exist. Putting a taboo on the topic doesn't make it any less real.

This bill will probably pass too.

Gosh. And this, my dear Bradford, is why we must vote! And be a point of information and contact in as many ways as we can be - for understanding of all kinds, from Christian to queer.

*hugs*

i cross posted this in my LJ. what the FUCK!