Another gem of a 'resource'
Another 'recommended resource' for teachers trying to construct a lesson plan for our eighth graders comes from a publication entitled Creating Inclusive Programs, from the gay and lesbian advocacy group, Advocates for Youth.

(This resource can be found on the web at:
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/publications/
transitions/transitions1404_5.htm)

The goal? "Whether or not youth-serving professionals know of any openly GLBTQ youth in programs, it is essential to create a safe space for young people who are, who believe that they might be, or who have friends or family members who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or transgender. "

Among the many suggestions for creating programs that are inclusive of and sensitive to GLBTQ youth (thats gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgendered or questioning youth for all you newbies) is the following:

"Discuss sexual behaviors explicitly rather than assuming that everyone defines sexual intercourse in the same way. Also, avoid terms that make unwarranted assumptions or are disrespectful in nature. For example, the term 'gay sex' is inaccurate and helps no one; heterosexual, bisexual, and lesbian youth may engage in anal intercourse while gay males may not. "

Try to remain calm. The BOE says its just another sexual variation folks.

"Use inclusive language. Discuss 'partners' instead of always assuming a youth's prospective date or sexual partner is of the opposite gender."

Never say husband/wife or boyfriend/girlfriend as this may alienate a boy or girl in class. 'Partners' is the preferred word here people. Oh, and let's not assume that this person is not your child's sexual partner.

"Incorporate comprehensive sex education. Sex education programs should include information about both contraception and abstinence. When discussing abstinence, do not talk about "abstinence-until-marriage." Like heterosexual youth, GLBTQ youth search for intimacy and emotional closeness and may long for a committed relationship. In a society where same-gender marriages are often illegal and where same-gender committed relationships are ignored or frowned upon, the concept of "abstinence until marriage" completely ignores the emotional and physical needs of GLBTQ youth."

Ok, let's see if I have that right. Never say 'abstinance until marriage" as this may offend someone who may not be able to marry their 'partner' someday. Talk about minority rights! What about the majority of heterosexual youth who need to hear the abstinence message? Seems their needs are being overlooked here.

So I suppose the message we can take from this lesson is that:

The Montgomery County Board of Education advocates teaching our children that:

1. not everyone defines sexual intercourse in the same way, and in fact anal intercourse should be discussed explicitly
2. the term 'partner' is preferred because we should not assume that their prospective dates or sexual partners would be someone of the opposite sex and in fact, we should just assume that they have sexual partners and
3. the message 'abstinance until marriage' is offensive.

Is this for real? How in the world did we get to this point?

Just ask the Montgomery County Board of Education ... they think they know what is best for our children.


to be continued...
- posted by bianca m @ 4:00 PM