I guess you could start at the beginning of recorded history and references to homosexuality, or lack of it. Certainly some time could be spent on religious texts and how the Bible has been (mis)interpreted as being anti-gay and repercussions from that. Historical figures that were gay or thought to be is always interesting. Explicit discrimination, such as laws against homosexuals would be worth covering. Emerging gay culture and how it compared to lesbian culture in the 1900's is worth some time. Laws allowing as well as banning discrimination and how they came to be. Stonewall riots (which I wish more people knew about) was really pivotal, as POD mentioned earlier. AIDS activism and its impact on the gay population in general. Representation in the media, gay marriage, and shifting attitudes of the general public, and psychological impact of discrimination for those out of the closet as well as those in the closet.
As I read through the posts, it seems like many of us aren’t on the same page in our understanding of this issue. I listened to an interview recently with Mark Leno, the state senator who authored the bill. He really clarified the bill, which I’ll briefly summarize:
The new curriculum will be added to social studies classes, where the contributions that gay and lesbians have made to society will be discussed. The focus won’t be “outing” any historical figures…it’s more about civil rights history (i.e., Harvey Milk).
School bullying against LGBT teens has caused many of them to commit suicide, and is a very real and growing problem. Where schools that have already taken an “inclusive” approach to the curriculum, all types of bullying and harassment have significantly decreased.
The curriculum itself will take years to develop, and includes public input.
Teachers will teach gay and lesbian history in social studies class. That’s it.
The new curriculum will be added to social studies classes, where the contributions that gay and lesbians have made to society will be discussed. The focus won’t be “outing” any historical figures…it’s more about civil rights history (i.e., Harvey Milk).
The curriculum itself will take years to develop, and includes public input.
Teachers will teach gay and lesbian history in social studies class. That’s it.
But but... no... they're going to TEACH SEX!!!!
Diagrams on the black board of 8 men doing it in front of a picture of the baby JEBUS!!!!
Comments
I guess you could start at the beginning of recorded history and references to homosexuality, or lack of it. Certainly some time could be spent on religious texts and how the Bible has been (mis)interpreted as being anti-gay and repercussions from that. Historical figures that were gay or thought to be is always interesting. Explicit discrimination, such as laws against homosexuals would be worth covering. Emerging gay culture and how it compared to lesbian culture in the 1900's is worth some time. Laws allowing as well as banning discrimination and how they came to be. Stonewall riots (which I wish more people knew about) was really pivotal, as POD mentioned earlier. AIDS activism and its impact on the gay population in general. Representation in the media, gay marriage, and shifting attitudes of the general public, and psychological impact of discrimination for those out of the closet as well as those in the closet.
The new curriculum will be added to social studies classes, where the contributions that gay and lesbians have made to society will be discussed. The focus won’t be “outing” any historical figures…it’s more about civil rights history (i.e., Harvey Milk).
School bullying against LGBT teens has caused many of them to commit suicide, and is a very real and growing problem. Where schools that have already taken an “inclusive” approach to the curriculum, all types of bullying and harassment have significantly decreased.
The curriculum itself will take years to develop, and includes public input.
Teachers will teach gay and lesbian history in social studies class. That’s it.
If you would like to listen, the link is:
http://www.npr.org/2011/07/18/138484226/calif-public-schools-to-teach-gay-history
I hope I’ve helped clarify the conversation!
But but... no... they're going to TEACH SEX!!!!
Diagrams on the black board of 8 men doing it in front of a picture of the baby JEBUS!!!!