Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

How you would respond to a parent/family member who informed you they did not want anyone who is perceived (or self-reported) homosexual or transgender to be caring for, educating, and/or interacting with their child

I would explain to the family or parent that caregivers should be judged on their quality, not their sexual orientation.  I would explain that people are hired for their experience and ability to provide quality child care services.  As a result, I would encourage them to get to know the child care provider and observer the person’s behavior around their child.  People are often worried about things or people they do not understand.  Therefore, interacting with the childcare provider can help them to overcome their bias.

 

•If you have ever used or heard homophobic terms such as "fag," "gay," "homo," "sissy," "tom boy," or "lesbo" as an insult by a child toward another child? Or, by an adult toward a child? Describe what occurred. How might these types of comments influence all children? (Note: if you have not had a personal experience, ask a family member, friend, or colleague)

Children are affected by their environment and the language they are exposed to.  Racism and sexism are promoted through social values and social interactions.  As a result, I would stop a person using homophobic terms and explain that it is not polite.  I would further inform them that we are all different and no one wants to be called derogatory names.  I would also teach children to respect diversity and not judge people based on their social identities.