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. The first thing I would inform them of is that ALL our staff members are very highly qualify to care for children. I would also let them know that we are a diverse learning center, we have a variety of cultures, race and religion present among our staff. Children and their well -being come first and foremost. Our Anti-Bias curriculum is one of the best in the state. All staff members are protected under the Equal Opportunity Employment, and although I cannot share personal information about any of the staff , I will assure them that ALL staff have been cleared  through a thorough background check. I would provide them with a list of resources for them to learn more about various alternative lifestyles as well as reminding them to attend our parent meetings where a variety of subject/concerns are addressed and discussed.

  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) This question is one that hits home with me. I have an Uncle who is gay and I have heard some of these terms as well as “sweet ums “used towards him. I have heard adults, who you should think would know better use some of these term when talking about certain children. Mind you, these are just their perception of the child based on mannerism alone. Children are innocent and although they go through phases of dealing with their identity (this usually lasts through adolescence), do not deserve this kind of treatment and least of all by adults. These adults would usually refer to the child (usually a boy) when they saw him dressing up in dramatic play or playing in housekeeping with dolls and cooking. This would usually encourage the other children to start calling that child names,just because they heard an adult doing it.