Queering Our Schools

 In the video, Woke Read Aloud: They, She, He Easy as ABC, Ki does an amazing job with their enthusiasm and delivery of the story. I have spent some time in kindergarten classrooms over the last 4 years watching the way the teachers engaged with the scholars, and this is remarkably like what I have seen. I imagine that many schools and families would be outraged if this type of book were read at their child’s school. I do not feel that way about my school and the culture that has been carefully created here. I showed a small portion of the video to my head of school (who happens to be in the process of transitioning and happens to be one of my closest friends) and he loved it.  

The article “Queering Our Schools,” the main question asked is “how do we create classrooms and schools where each child, parent, and staff member’s unique, beautiful self is appreciated and nurtured?” Some of the suggested ideas in the article included building community and making safe places for students and teachers. I personally think the most important and impactful way to create these types of environments is the last point mentioned of Queering the Curriculum. I understand that backlash from parents can be scary when it comes to what their children are being taught but it is incredibly important that queer history be a part of education from an early age.  

I went to catholic schools in the late 90’s early 2000’s so there was never a chance for me to be taught any lessons about the struggles that the queer community went through not even that long ago. I was not taught that families could look different than the mother and father model. I am so thankful I work at a school that is accepting of all people and does in fact teach about LGBTQ issues. I am sending my daughter to kindergarten next year and she will be coming to my school where she will be reading books that will include families that look like hers, same sex parents with divorce and blended families.  

Reading the Rhode Island laws regarding gender identity within schools was great to see how inclusive of a state we are here. I would like to look further into this as part of my teach-out project, specifically to look at other states who are not as liberal as us to see what their policies (if any) are. From personal experience, not with a student but with our head of school, I did see a transition plan in action recently. I have known him for many years, and he was once known as Alisha (feels weird writing that now!) Last November he began the transition process but only told a few of his close friends. As for the transition process, he told the superintendent of our schools who was incredibly supportive and together they produced the plan. The first step was to announce to the staff members at the end of the school year that when we came back for the 2023-2024 school year, he would use he/they pronouns and would be called Mr. Smith or Principal Smith. He also let everyone know his new name, Alex. The next step was an email that was sent to staff first and then to families. Teachers were instructed to direct any families with concerns to the superintendent. The outpouring of support from both parents and staff was beautiful to see.