Daphne, all,

Daphne, thank you for making the time to so pointedly target these areas of
diversity that still seem to carry more stigma and sicoomfort levels than
other "taboo" subjects.

I've brought this subject up in adult education classes in different ways at
different times with different results (no surprise).  Usually I use a real
story as a starting point, usually a story that draws a reader's attention
(rivets, one hopes) and usually aligns sympathy and support with a character
BEFORE that character is revealed to be LGBT.

BEFORE this happens, I'll have judged/hoped that the community building
within our classroom is reasonably 'solid.'   The class will know that I'm
pretty open to discussion on any topic, that I value their input and WANT
their input -- whether they agree or disagree --

I use headlines a lot in class -- headlines that both I and students
select.  So I will know that at least the window of awareness has been
opened prior to intentionally using a story for class.  Routines will have
been established so that the students know in our class surprises happen,
amazing info is shared, etc.

I will use the story for English practice in ESOL classrooms; have used such
stories for writing practice in GED classes.   I strive for
learner-centered, individual and team/group work activities in classes I
'teach.'

When it is a colleague & administration-"allowed" practice, any classroom I
teach in has at least one poster/sticker/something to indicate that it is a
"welcoming" place (with rainbow inverted triangles or such blatant signs
when possible, with more generic welcome indicators when not).

I've had the most 'volatile' reactions in GED class groups, the most 'ok
I'll think about this or keep my opinions quiet' responses from ESOL groups
-- 

I love poetry -- and quotes -- and always have collections available -- and
always my collections will include poems that (in my interpretation) address
isms and hidden deep emotions -- these are the "open windows" I try to
offer.   Leslie Newman is one poet whose work I'd highly recommend.  Audre
Lorde one of my favorite people to quote.  But there are so  many, and
quotes and poetry are so personal -- that I strive to have copies of
individual poems and quotes available and posted -- and Word.doc collections
available to share...  Poem of the week and Quotes of the Day boards help.
-- always with the invitation for others to contribute...

small steps -
I'd love to exchange other ideas -- and again, thank you for voicing your
thoughts,
Holly


-- 
Holly (Dilatush)  Charlottesville VA

"As soon as we begin to generalize, we fail to have meaningful dialogue."
(Katherine Mercurio Gotthardt, 2008)

"Live with intention. Share inside~out smiles, inspire hope, seek awe and
nurture in nature."

www.tales-around-the-world.blogspot.com
www.abavirtual-learningcenter.org
www.boomerlangs.edublogs.org
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