WHAT YOU 

CAN DO!

What can anyone do?

• recognize that not everyone is heterosexual

• sexual orientation is more than just sex

• homosexuality is as natural as heterosexuality

• not all gay people have the same needs or lead the same lives

• there is no causes for homosexuality and therefore no need to find a cure

• continue to re-examine your own homophobia

• if someone comes out to you, keep that information confidential - it is not your truth to share

• don't allow gay jokes or gay slurs in your presence, they are as hurtful as their racial counterparts

• educate yourself

76% of our schools fail to train teachers on issues facing gay youth

What teachers and schools can do:

• Your personal and moral opinion about homosexuality should not interfere with the way you act as a teacher

• Recognize that social construction of gender and challenge the stereotypes in your classroom

• Develop and use inclusive vocabulary and teach proper terminology

• Provide and attend training events to build confidence and skills related to working with gay youth

• Don't assume gay students will themselves be any less homophobic or more aware than you are

• Encourage students to build their own support system within their community

• Relate the oppression felt by gays to other well-known and socially accepted oppressions in order to have students recognize the prejudice against the gay community

• Create a positive atmosphere by learning and teaching the difference the difference between tolerance, acceptance, celebration and advocacy

• Acquaint yourself with gay groups and incorporate them into your classroom

• Keep relevant resources in your classroom and make them visible (posters, stickers and symbols)

• Create a Gay/Straight Alliance in your school