Embrace Diversity to Build Safer,
More Inclusive Communities

“Dominator culture has tried to keep us all afraid, to make us choose safety instead of risk, sameness instead of diversity. Moving through that fear, finding out what connects us, reveling in our differences; this is the process that brings us closer, that gives us a world of shared values, of meaningful community.”
—bell hooks, Teaching Community: A Pedagogy of Hope

To uplift Transgender Awareness Week, we highlight these resources that emphasize why inclusive education is imperative and how the power of LGBTQ+ visibility fosters positive spaces of understanding and empathy where all students feel visible and accepted.

Inclusive Education Benefits All Children

Why is it vital to provide inclusive education that highlights LGBTQ+ experience? Because, as GLSEN’s executive director, Melanie Willingham-Jaggers, emphasizes in this new feature from Learning for Justice magazine, “Accurate and inclusive lessons not only affirm LGBTQ+ students, but also give non-LGBTQ+ students clear information about the diverse world around them and help prepare all young people to navigate and contribute to a multicultural society.”

Why I Teach: Visibility is Power

In confronting the current attacks on LGBTQ+ students, educator Skye Tooley emphasizes that “Teaching must be inclusive because each student comes into our room holding their identities, wondering if they will be seen in the space.” Visibility is powerful and affirming. We must create safer spaces so all children feel visible and accepted.

Spotlight: Gender-affirming Care

Dorothee Benz, Ph.D., reminds us, “For educators to be effective allies to their trans and nonbinary students, they need to understand facts and recognize dangerous and politically motivated misinformation.” The willingness to learn, empathy and actively affirming LGBTQ+ students help create safer spaces for trans and nonbinary children.

Resource Spotlight

Check Out What We’re Reading

“‘That was a failed strategy, to try to create further hate and division and other trans folks and dehumanize them with these attack ads was not only despicable, but voters saw through it.’” —A BC News

“We need a leadership that is invested in defending the freedom [of] all people by taking away barriers to shelter, education, healthcare, voting, and other basic necessities for a quality life.” —NPR

“‘In the last two years, we’ve been seeing just a marked increase in the coordinated attacks against trans people and trans communities in the United States and in Minnesota,’ she said. ‘I just felt like it was absolutely essential to have someone from our community in those rooms.’” —C BS News

Have a comment, question or idea for Learning for Justice? Drop us a line at [email protected].

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