correspond to that video.
- 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 say to a parent, "I'm sorry Ma'am/Sir, but I have no control of a person sexual orientation, and as long as they are only teaching your child the curriculum at hand...what difference would it make? Your child being around a teacher who's gay or lesbian, or black, or Catholic, or even Atheist for that matter, isn't going to magically transform your child and make them that person. They're here to teach early childhood education and that it. They will not be teaching your child their way of life. All of my teachers or certified and are awesome people, and if it bothers you, you can find another center."
- 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)
I have heard it both by a child towards a child and by an adult towards a child. I've had my son's playmates comment "oh why do you like that character, he's gay" and I've heard my brother say to my son's "stop acting like a sissy, man-up". These type of comments can or may influence children in a negative way and make them afraid to like the weaker of characters or to cry if hurt. But as parents or caregivers it's our jobs to let our children know that liking the robin instead of batman or crying because you fell is OK, it doesn't make you a sissy or gay, and those are just words to try to discourage you. PERSONALLY, It doesn't affect my children, they shrug it off and say oh well. But my children are taught "sticks and stones may break my bones, but I won't let words hurt me".
