The push for complete sexuality training has been a continuing, however it’s inclusivity—particularly for the LGBTQ neighborhood—that has been receiving extra consideration lately. This previous summer season, John Paul Brammer, a contributor to BuzzFeed, wrote a robust private essay on how sex ed keeps queer teens in the dark. Even earlier than that, each the Daily Dot and the Atlantic ran articles on the significance of LGBTQ-inclusive intercourse ed. Extra lately, Teen Vogue ran an article on the subject, as did Refinery29. And these are only a drop within the bucket.
SIECUS reports that six payments had been launched this previous yr that sought to take away anti-LGBTQ language from intercourse ed curricula, and 10 payments sought to guarantee that supplies and instruction had been LGBTQ-inclusive, or on the very least not biased towards LGBTQ individuals. Solely one in all these payments was handed, eradicating a prohibition on “advocacy of homosexuality in well being instruction,” however there’s no denying that larger inclusivity is on everybody’s minds.
Which is why it’s so important for sexuality educators and intercourse ed program administrators (and everybody else, for that matter) to turn into culturally competent in LGBTQ points. Not just for the scholars they train, however for the individuals they work with as nicely.
“Lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, transgender and queer workers and prospects really feel most secure and most valued when the tradition wherein they work or purchase is welcoming,” says Brian McNaught, a sexuality educator and the creator of Brian McNaught’s Guide to LGBTQ Issues in the Workplace. “They determine by the habits of their managers and fellow workers whether or not it’s really protected ‘to convey their complete self to work.’ Behaviors are created by cultural competency, not insurance policies.”
Which is why McNaught wrote his information, which incorporates an inventory of phrases and meanings used inside and in regards to the LGBTQ neighborhood, marking them as welcoming or unwelcoming. It additionally supplies data on what symbols and days are of significance to LGBTQ individuals, and provides readers dos and don’ts in how to answer widespread office conditions.
“All the pieces we thought we knew, we now don’t know for sure,” says McNaught. “If there may be one phrase to explain the brand new paradigm of sexual attraction and gender identification and expression it’s ‘fluidity.’ Sexuality educators, whose focus is making a world wherein each little one and grownup understands and appreciates their sexuality, and that of others, will discover my information helpful in studying the phrases to deal with powerful conditions at work, similar to when somebody objects on non secular grounds. They’ll even have a software to assist faculty directors, faculty board members, school and workers turn into extra competent and assured in creating protected and welcoming environments.”
And for extra studying on cultural competency round LGBTQ+ points, try our previous submit on continuing education for medical professionals.
