LGBTQ- Safe Schools Seminar

When thinking about going to this seminar I was confused about the type of situation I would find myself in. After walking into the room in which the seminar was to be held tonight, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was very comfortable. There were many chairs all facing one direction and one main table at the front. The seminar began by allowing everyone to eat pizza! But it really started when we were asked to look at a sheet of "terms". On this sheet were many terms, some I was familiar with and some that were not so familiar but all the definitions were overwhelmingly helpful. I found myself saying, "I never knew that meant that" or "I didn't know this was offensive". One thing that struck me was the discussion on whether or not homosexual was offensive. Basically, it depends on the person, which makes sense but I never thought that some individuals may perfer to be called gay and others homosexual and what contents they feel these words are appropriate. For example, we raised our hands to show how many of the schools that we had been in that we heard terms like "gay" used as a put-down. I raised my hand. In my high school "gay" was thrown around having a negative tone.
Another interesting thing I found by listening in on this seminar was that one and every ten individuals considers themselves LBGTQ.
The next thing I found extremely sad was when one speaker talked about how being gay or even thought of as possibly being gay can be terms to fire someone on. In education, especially in the area, jobs are limited, and to have this fear that you could lose or possible not even be offered a job because of your sexual orientation is troublesome.
I asked, after a discussion in class, how to describe to a student that some students in their class may have two moms or two dads. Considering that there are days in many schools set aside called "Donuts with Dad" or "Muffins with Mom" and thinking that some students may feel confused if they do have two parents of the same gender. One panel member stated it excellently, "People are lucky when they find someone to love."
I thought this was perfect. She went on to say how we need to not make a big deal of these things otherwise that is what they will become. I think this is so true. When students notice that the teacher hesitates or maybe does not know how to answer a question he or she may wonder why? Is this subject not appropriate? Is it wrong? By being able to give these simple answers, first graders in mind, students aren't being left to wonder. As teachers it is our job to teach, and family units and how each individual's family unit is different is an important thing to consider as a teacher.
This seminar was very informative and worthwhile. I really enjoyed it and was happy that I attended.