Anthony Anzalone Blog Post #1

 

(EBU), E. B. U. (2019, November 20). Gender Equality Steering Group. EBU. Retrieved February 2, 2023, from https://www.ebu.ch/groups/gender-equality

After examining this module and really engaging in the articles and documentary, I can see why gender diversity is such a critical issue that needs to be addressed so we can create comforting and safe learning environments for all. One of the most eye-raising and alarming takeaways from this module is just how much gender diversity is affecting our schools and the toll it is taking on some students. It's been examined that "Gender-diverse students often report feeling unsafe at school, avoiding gender specific spaces (e.g., restrooms), and experiencing harassment at school" (American Psychological Association, n.d.). This information provides that some students don't believe or feel they are in a welcoming and safe environment. This deteriorates the ability to learn and creates a problematic situation for finding happiness. This problem of not fitting in was also observed in our last module on anti-racism. It was also evident in that module that if certain practices aren't implemented, we can see students and faculty feel out of place and not get the most out of their education experience. Getting back to this module, as I explored more, I found that there are solutions to helping those of gender diversity, which goes a long way in improving their overall mental state. Research suggests that "LGBTQ youth who felt high social support from their family reported attempting suicide at less than half the rate of those who felt low or moderate social support" (Paley, 2022). Despite this directly referencing family, whose to say educators and staff can't play the same role in schools. We can support these students and create a classroom in which they feel safe, comfortable, and in a position to thrive. The problem we see is gender-diverse students feeling in danger, but our solution is simple. Just offering our continued love and support can go so far in creating a better place. Something compelling from the documentary that I feel is a staple in promoting gender diversity and creating an environment in which all can be accepted is the scene they showed about people coming together to protest in favor of getting those who are transgender (Kaufman, M., 2002). This movement from the film was so breathtaking, and the message behind it needs to stay the same today to promote a thriving environment for the gender-diverse community. Lastly, something I found to be quite sad, considering all these efforts in promoting diversity, is that these diversity efforts often don't receive proper outside support. Eric Moore, an equity officer, noted, "'What I see in districts often is a commitment to do diversity work, but it’s not funded properly' ” (Cavanagh, 2021). This is highly disappointing, considering all the problems that have come with not offering proper support to the gender-diverse community. This is an aspect of our world that needs etiquette funding as its an area that needs attention. Overall, I've seen the problems that are associated with not treating gender diversity with the proper care, but I have also noticed that there're plenty of solutions to this topic.

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Editor, S. C. M., Cavanagh, S., Editor, M., Sean Cavanagh Managing Editor Sean Cavanagh is the Managing Editor of EdWeek Market Brief. He is also an associate editor for Education Week, & Sean Cavanagh is the Managing Editor of EdWeek Market Brief. He is also an associate editor for Education Week. (2021, December 10). Special report: What K-12 officials expect from education companies on Diversity, equity, and inclusion. Market Brief. Retrieved February 2, 2023, from https://marketbrief.edweek.org/special-report/special-report-k-12-officials-expect-education-companies-diversity-equity-inclusion/

Kaufman, M. (Director). (2002). The laramie project [film]. Good Machine,     HBO Films.

Students Exploring Gender Identity (2021, October). American Psychological     Association. https://www.apa.org/ed/schools/primer/gender-identity

The Trevor Project. 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Mental                 Health. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2022/Links to an external site.