BENEFITS of Implementing LGBTQ* themes in the classrom

Implementing LGBTQ+ themes will be extremely beneficial to students.  By implementing these themes into the classroom, students will have a better understanding of the fact that we all come from different backgrounds, have different family traditions, different values, different family dynamics, etc. According to Gabriel Flores, author of Toward a More Inclusive Multicultural Education: Methods for Including LGBTQ+ Themes in the K-12 Classroom, “the education regarding LGBT themes focuses on understanding and appreciating issues of difference, including the difference in sexual orientation, relationship, and the family structures, as well as the concepts of love and respect.  Implementing these themes into the classroom will help eliminate misinformation, prejudice, confusion, and stereotypes.” Including these themes into the classroom will promote healthy discussion and tolerance in and out of the classroom as well as focus on the kind and ethical treatment of all people. 

A common misconception around implementing LGBTQ+ themes into the classroom revolves around an idea that Flores explores in his article by stating that, “many people mistakenly believe that education about homosexuality focuses on the sexual behavior of homosexuals.”  Due to the fact that students’ parents were most likely not educated about this topic, they just assume that this is what is being taught when they hear that LBGTQ+ themes will be included into the classroom.

As stated previously, educating students on this topic will create a more inclusive and accepting classroom.  Flores goes onto state that, “with a more inclusive multicultural education that includes LGBT themes, children may base their knowledge and beliefs on accurate information and, ideally, without fear and bias change negative attitudes.” Without being educated, a more inclusive classroom cannot be achieved and students will base their opinions and theories from others around them (i.e. family, friends, media, etc.)

Flores, G. (2012). Toward a More Inclusive Multicultural Education: Methods for Including LGBT Themes in K-12 Classrooms. American Journal of Sexuality Education, 7(3), 187-197. doi:10.1080/15546128.2012.707072