Approaching

Gender and
Sexuality in the
Classroom
Olivia Craig, Hannah Hartley,
Justin Schafer, Erin Wise
Guiding Questions For
Interviews
1. Tell me about yourself – How long you’ve been teaching, what grades,
what types of schools, etc.

2. Describe the school you work in currently – School’s mission,

demographics, environment

3. What is your view on what an appropriate time is to teach the topics of

gender identity and sexuality?

4. Have you ever taught a lesson regarding gender identity or sexuality in

your classroom? If not, why not? If so, describe it and your students’ reaction
to it?

5. How do you make sure your classroom is inclusive of students who are
questioning their gender identity or sexuality?
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LE8AviOrWI
 Interview with a High School
Band Director
I have been teaching for 27 years; Kindergarten through university graduate
students. I’ve taught in public schools in Ohio ranging in demographic from 90%
free/reduced lunch to upper middle class. I’ve taught all demographics in
between as well. I was formerly an Associate Professor and Coordinator of
Music Education at Howard University in Washington, DC. For 11 years, I was
in charge of the music teacher educator program.

Currently, I teach instrumental music in Solon Schools in Ohio. Below is the

Mission Statement published by the school system:

“Solon City Schools, a diverse collaborative learning community of families,

staff, and community members, will ensure all students attain the knowledge and
skills to succeed and become contributing, ethical citizens in a global society,
through our unwavering commitment to inspire every student to achieve personal
excellence.”
In my opinion, the proper time to teach gender identity and sexuality is when a child asks
about it. In Solon Schools, at the 5th grade level, there is a health unit that is taught by an
outside contractor which introduces human reproduction and sexuality. Gender identity is
not a topic that is covered in that unit. I believe some children may question their own
identity considerably earlier than 5th grade.

I have a difficult time trying to figure out when we should institutionally introduce gender
identity. I feel that it is a topic that should be taught, as it can be quite confusing for some
children as well as some adults. In addition, I believe that adults, particularly educators,
need to have proper training in order to handle the situations where gender fluidity,
identity, and sexuality are concerned. Maybe an outside contractor would be helpful on
that front as well.
Specifically, I have had a transgendered male band member request a single room at
band camp in the boys dormitory. After conferring with the principal, it was determined
that his request would be granted. Although the previous year, he stayed in a single room
in the girls dorm the previous years, we were able to accommodate him in the boys dorm
as he had requested. Also, being aware of another transgender student, I preemptively
asked him before band camp which dorm he preferred. His answer was that his parents
still saw him as female, so he was to be housed with the girls. He seemed to be fine with
that solution. However, I believe that in the future, he may also be housed with the boys.
I am certain my students with gender identity or sexuality questions see me as an adult
who is sensitive to their needs/concerns. Although I am not qualified to deal with the
psychological considerations involved, I am willing to listen, to a point, to a student’s
concerns and steer that student to a professional who is more qualified than I am to deal
with the situation.

As a side note, I have a 27 year-old niece who was born male and is now a strikingly
beautiful young woman. I take pride in how she has grown into herself over the years.
Helpful Pointers From The
Interviews
- Start talking about gender and sexuality in elementary school due to
psychological aspects of development
- Degendering classrooms to make a more inclusive environment
- I.E. “Hi guys” vs. “Hi everyone”
- Bathroom passes
- Be able to provide students who have questions with helpful resources
- Advocate for resources if they are limited
- Make sure your students know you are open to speak with them
- They might not have the support at home, be their supporter
Concerns From The Interviews
- Teachers are uncomfortable talking about gender and sexuality
themselves even though they support students learning about it
- Go further than just creating an inclusive environment
- Don’t wait for student’s to ask about gender and sexuality to teach the
topic
- Teach the topic before it becomes prevalent in your classroom
- Teach gender and sexuality in a general classroom not just in health class,
psychology, sociology etc.
Action Plan For Incorporating
Gender & Sexuality In The
School Setting
- Attend professional
-
developmentand Classroom
for teachers
Advocate for professional development opportunities for the whole staff if there are
none about gender and sexuality
- Openly express support
- Showcasing a pride flag or a poster
- Bring knowledgeable community members in your classroom as a guest
speaker
- Teach explicit lessons across multiple disciplines
- History: LGBTQ+ movements
- English: Mommy and Mommy books, LGBTQ+ protagonists, etc.
- Health