After exploring children books, movies, toys, stories, etc. I have found that heterosexism is far more prominent than blatant homophobia. For example, many of the characters represented in books, movies, and stories are traditional in his or her gender roles and dress. Toys and the commercials that advertise them also focus on traditional gender roles. For example, you would never see a commercial with four boys sitting around playing with Barbies or the accessories that go along with them. In reality, some boys do like to play with dolls and Barbies. At the same time, you would never see a Lego commercial or action figure commercial with a group a girls playing with the toys. As many of us have experienced, this is not reality.
Although it is for an adult audience, I strongly believe that the new series on Showtime called “House of Lies” sends a strong message to adults in terms of the existing homophobia and heterosexism that is present in schools today. The main character's young son is currently exploring and developing his gender identity. In the first episode of the series, the school has a fit when the son auditions and gets the part of Sandy in the school musical “Grease”. After challenging the school, the son does get to play the role that he auditioned for and won. In the second episode, more challenges were experienced with the school and the son’s development of gender identity. Although there is not dress code, the son is told that he could not were an outfit that the principle and teachers considered to be gender neutral. After several phone calls with the father and his threats, the school was put in its place.
Now back to the questions at hand. After carefully thinking about the subject, I do not believe that books or other types of media displaying and featuring homosexuality she be banned from an early childhood environment. At the same time, these items should be explained and used as an educational opportunity.
If a parent stated that they did not want their child interacting with another that was perceived to be non-traditional or gay; I would first have a conversation with the parent and determine what is behind his or her concerns. I would then explain to them the benefits of diversity inside the early childhood setting and within society. Finally, I would explain to the parents that we cannot prevent any child from being exposed to and interacting with any child unless it created a violent and/or unhealthy situation. Being perceived as being non-traditional or gay does not constitute violence and/or a unhealthy situation. If the parent feels that strongly about their beliefs, they would be advised to enroll their child in another early childhood program that may better fit their needs.
I have encountered situations in which the phrases fag," “gay,” “homo,” "sissy," "tom boy," or “lesbo” have been used by children to children and parents to children. For example, in the store I have witnessed a parent to their son that he was being a “sissy” after tripping, falling, and crying about the situation. I have also experienced many children calling each other “gay” or “homo” in a teasing manner. Although no harm was meant by any of these comments they do teach children that homosexuality is wrong. In the end, this creates an unconscious bias towards this protected class.
One of the biggest concerns that I have about this type of bias or discrimination is that it and the terminology have become so embedded in our culture that it may be hard to correct and overcome.
