Inclusive and Supportive Education Congress
International
Special Education Conference
Inclusion: Celebrating Diversity?
1st - 4th August 2005. Glasgow, Scotland
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Inclusive and Supportive Education Congress 1st - 4th August 2005. Glasgow, Scotland |
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Nancy M. Sileo
sileo@unlv.nevada.edu
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Thomas W. Sileo
antws@uaa.alaska.edu
University of Alaska Anchorage
As we move further into the 21 st century, the number of children living in gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) families appears to be increasing. Estimates of children of GLBT families in the United States range from 4 to 14 million (D’Augnelli & Patterson, 1995). In any case, GLBT families are by no means rare. Many special educators at institutions of higher education, at state education agencies, and local education agencies are not adequately prepared to work with GLBT families. The predominant heterosexist belief that everyone is or ought to be heterosexual is most prevalent in the area of child-parent relations (Bohan, 1996; D’Augnelli & Patterson, 1995; Patterson, 1995).
GLBT families have the potential to contribute to all areas of their child’s development including their child’s education. However, GLBT families often are silenced by prejudice and discrimination. Negative attitudes toward GLBT families are rooted in others’ lack of knowledge and understanding, stereotypes, and myths. School and university campuses are often hostile environments in which persons with same sex orientation experience discrimination, verbal and physical harassment, and silencing of their sexual identities. Consequently, they are forced to isolate themselves socially and emotionally.
The lack of knowledgeable and caring special educators who understand issues of same sex orientation and gender identity is a primary concern in teacher education programs. Teacher educators must understand the problems that confront GLBT families and employ strategies that curb harassment and ensure their safety. Heightened awareness leads to increased understanding and acceptance.
GLBT persons and families are at-risk of suicide, verbal and physical harassment, substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, homelessness and prostitution, and declining academic performance (Munoz-Plaza, Quinn, & Rounds, 2002). In addition, they identify school and university campuses as less than empowering settings that inhibit acknowledgement and expression of GLBT perspectives and limit curricular initiatives and research efforts. Consequently, GLBT families respond by concealing their sexual orientation or gender identity from school personnel and sometimes even their children.
Attention is needed to lessen intolerance and harassment that exists on many school and university campuses especially since the field of special education in general is charged with creating environments that are characterized by inclusion, equal access, mutual respect, and cooperation for all students, faculty, and staff regardless of cultural differences (Rankin, 2003). Strategies that facilitate equal access for GLBT families include creating safe environments, demonstrating institutional commitment to issues and concerns, recruiting and retaining same sex orientation persons as special educators, integrating GLBT issues into curriculum and instruction, affording educational programming that address GLBT issues and concerns, and educating special education personnel about the unique needs of GLBT families (Lopez & Chism, 1993; Rankin, 2003).
As teacher educators in the field of special education we must make our colleagues aware of the growing number of GLBT families that they will encounter. Diversity education requires the efforts of the special education field at-large. Special educators can help educate the community to the unique needs of children with disabilities of GLBT families by integrating diversity education into their programs.
Employing activities and materials that identify GLBT families can do this. The traditional case study approach, which can give special education personnel a “snapshot” a child with a disability or a family, is difficult to use in this context because of the lack of material related to GLBT families. Using children’s literature to teach about GLBT families is an alternative method by which this can be done. There are myriad children’s works, both fiction and non-fiction, related to GLBT families that are appropriate for use in special education programs.
Table 1 provides an overview of various forms of children’s literature associated with GLBT families that would be appropriate for use in teacher education special education programs and in special education classrooms. Thirty-nine children’s books are listed in Table 1. Specific children’s book, both fiction and non-fiction were reviewed for content, age appropriateness, and factual or mythical information. Each text is identified by title, author, and ISBN number; type of book and grade level appropriateness; plot; and, information related to GLBT families.
* See table 1 below at the bottom of the page *
Summary
Educators must be aware of sexual orientation and gender identity issues and translate knowledge into sensitive and responsive curricular and instructional practices that facilitate safe and supportive higher education environments. Increasing special educators and teacher educators’ awareness and knowledge of diverse GLBT families by using children’s literature in university classrooms is one way to prepare special educators to work with diverse families. Special education teachers’ educators can provide book lists and sample activities related to working with GLBT families and present ideas for using children’s literature throughout the curriculum. By educating special educators to the needs of GLBT families, focus can remain on meeting the needs of the exceptional child within the [unique] family context.
References
Arnup, K. (Ed.) (1997). Lesbian parenting. Charlottetown, P.E.I.: Gynergy Press.
Bohan, J. S. (1996). Psychology and sexual orientation: Coming to terms. New York, NY: Routledge.
Brownworth, V. A., & Raffo, S., (Eds.) (1999). Lesbians on disability. Seattle, WA; Seal Press.
D’Augelli, A., R. & Patterson, C. J. (Eds.). (1995). Lesbian, gay, and bisexual identities over
the lifespan: Psychological Perspectives. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Letts, W. J. IV., & Sears, J. T. (Eds.)(1999). Queering elementary education: Advancing the dialogue about sexualities and schooling. New York, NY: Rowman & Littlefield.
Lopez, G. & Chism, N. (1993). Classroom concerns of gay and lesbian students: The
invisible minority. College Teaching, 41(3), p. 103.
MacGillivray, I. K. (2004). Sexual orientation and school policy: A practical guide for teachers, administrators, and community activists. New York, NY: Rowman & Littlefield.
Mintz, B., & Rothblum, E. D. (1997). Lesbians in academia: Degrees of freedom. New York, NY: Routledge
Munoz-Plaza, C., Quinn, S.C., & Rounds, K. A. (2002). Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students: Perceived social support in the high school environment. High School Journal, 85(4).
Rankin, Susan R. (2003). Campus climate for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people:
A national perspective. New York: The National gay and Lesbian task force Policy
Institute.
*** Additional background information was gathered through a thorough review of the literature on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered families. (i.e., Arnup, 1997; Bohan, 1996; Brownworth & Raffo, 1999; D’Augnelli & Patterson, 1995; Howey & Samuels, 2000; Mintz & Rothblum, 1997; Patterson, 1995).
Table 1. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Children’s Literature
Book |
Type of Book & Grade Level |
Plot |
Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/ Transgender Information |
Celebrating Families by Rosmarie Hausherr, Scholastic Press 1997. ISBN 0-590-48937-2 |
Non-Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
Stories of children and an introduction to their families and how they each differ. |
Extended family Divorce Single parent family Biracial family Adoption Cultural Differences Lesbian family |
Zack’s Story by Keith Elliot Greenberg, Lerner Publications 1996. ISBN 0-8225-2581-X |
Non-Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
A true story about Zack and his lesbian mothers, Aimee and Margie, and how Zack deals with his family. |
Lesbian/gay family Prejudice Artificial Insemination Adoption Gay Pride |
Why are all Families Different? by Mary Atkinson, DK Publishing, INC. 1997. ISBN 0-7894-2055-4 |
Non-Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
A factual book about why all families are different and questions children may ask about families. |
Family issues Death Divorce Adoption Friendship |
Daddy’s Roommate by Michael Willhoite, Alyson Wonderland 1990. ISBN 1-55583-178-8 |
Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
A story about a boy whose parents got divorced and his daddy is gay. He spends time doing a lot of fun things with his daddy and his daddy’s partner Frank. |
Divorce Gay Family |
Uncle What-IS-IT is Coming to Visit!! by Michael Willhoite, Alyson Wonderland 1993. ISBN 1-55583-205-9 |
Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
A story about Tiffany and Igor, who are brother and sister, whose gay uncle comes to visit. The whole neighborhood warns them about gay people. Then they find out the stereotypes were wrong. |
Stereotypes Prejudice Homosexual issues Transgender dress |
Gloria Goes to Gay Pride by Leslea Newman (Illustrated by Russell Crocker), Alyson Wonderland 1991. ISBN 1-55583-185-0 |
Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
Gloria talks about all the special days she spends with her two mommies. Now she is going to another special day, Gay Pride Day, and tells us how they prepare and what fun it is. |
Lesbian Family Gay Pride Prejudice |
Sileo & Sileo ã 2005
Table 1. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Children’s Literature continued
Book |
Type of Book & Grade Level |
Plot |
Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/ Transgender Information |
My Two Uncles by Judith Vigna, Albert Wittman & Company 1995 ISBN 0-8075-55-7-X |
Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
Elly loves her two favorite uncles, Phil and Ned, but doesn’t understand why her grandfather won’t let Phil come to his party with Ned. It is the story of coping with issues and the possibility of change. |
Homosexual lifestyles Homosexual orientation Prejudice Family Conflict |
Anna Day and The O-ring by Elaine Wickens, Alyson Wonderland 1994. ISBN 1-5583-252-0 |
Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
A story about Evan, who lives with his two moms, and a lost o-ring. |
Lesbian Family |
The Sissy Duckling by Harvey Fierstein (Illustrated by Henry Cole), Simon & Schuster books for Young Readers 2002. ISBN 0-689-83566-3 |
Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
Elmer is not like all the other boys, he doesn’t like to do thinks like baseball and build forts. He would rather bake cakes and put on a halftime show. |
Prejudice Alienation Parental pressure Acceptance |
Daddy’s Wedding by Michael Willhoite, Alyson Wonderland 1996. ISBN 1-55583-350-0 |
Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
Nick, who is 10 years old, gets to be best man in his father’s wedding. His father and his father’s roommate Frank have decided to get married. |
Gay Family Gay Marriage |
What Kind of Family Do You Have? by Gretchen Super (Illustrated by Kees de Kiefte), Twenty First Century Books 1991 |
Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
Stories about children that come from all different types of families and certain issues they worry about. |
Extended Family Foster Family Adoption Single-parent family Family Differences |
Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman (illustrated by Diana Souza), Alyson Wonderland 1989. ISBN 1-55583-180-X |
Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
A story about a little girl named Heather whose favorite number is two. She has two of everything including two mommies. Explains artificial insemination and the entire pregnancy process. |
Lesbian Family Friendship Artificial Insemination Pregnancy Sex education Family differences |
Heather Has Two Mommies-10 th Anniversary edition by Leslea Newman (illustrated by Dianna Souza), Alyson Wonderland 2000. ISBN 1-5583-543-0 |
Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
A story about a little girl named Heather whose favorite number is tow. She has tow of everything including two mommies. |
Lesbian Family Friendship Family Differences School issues |
Sileo & Sileo ã 2005
Table 1. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Children’s Literature continued
Book |
Type of Book & Grade Level |
Plot |
Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/ Transgender Information |
How Would You Feel if Your Dad was Gay? by Ann Heron & Meredith Maran (illustrated by Kris Kovick), Alyson Wonderland 1991. ISBN 1-55583-188-5 |
Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
Jasmine, Michael, and Noah are regular kids that have one thing in common, they have gay parents. |
Gay /lesbian Family Prejudice School issues Isolation/coping Peer Acceptance Family Differences |
Jenny Lives with Eric and Martin by Susanne Bosche, The Gay Man’s Press 1983. ISBN 0-907040-22-5 |
Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
A story about Jenny, her dad Martin, and Martin’s lover Eric and how they spend their weekend. |
Gay Family Family conflict Prejudice Gay awareness |
Jennifer has Two Daddies by Priscilla Galloway (Illustrated by Ana Auml), The Women’s Educational Press 1985. ISBN 0-88961-095-9 |
Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
A story about Jennifer, who is trying to cope with her two fathers and accepting her step father as a parental figure. |
Family issues Divorce |
Is Your Family Like Mine? By Lois Abramchik, Open Heart, Open Mind 1993. ISBN 0-9647145-0-7 |
Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
Armetha is 5 years old and has two moms. Her and her friends who all come from different types of families, discover they have one common bond. |
Lesbian Family Family issues Divorce Adoption Surrogate fathers |
Saturday is Pattyday by Leslea Newman (Illustrated by Annette Hegel), New Victoria Publishers, Inc. 1993. ISBN 0-934678-51-0 |
Fiction Picture Book Pre-K-5 |
Frankie is trying to cope with the separation of his two mommies. |
Lesbian family Separation of household Divorce |
The House You Pass on the Way by Jacqueline Woodson, Delacorte Press 1997. ISBN 0-385-32189-9 |
Fiction Chapter Book 6-10 |
Evangeline, who changed her name to Staggerlee, is struggling with the death of her grandparents, her parents interracial marriage and her own sexuality. |
Racism Lesbian Orientation Prejudice Death |
From the Notebooks of Melanin Sun by Jacqueline Woodson, The Blue Sky Press 1995. ISBN 0-590-45880-9 |
Fiction Chapter Book 6-10 |
Melanin Sun, a 13 year old African-American boy, who is struggling with the pressures of adolescence and self-identity. He then finds out that his mother is a lesbian and in love with a "white" woman. |
Racism Prejudice Lesbian Orientation Family Issues |
Sileo & Sileo ã 2005
Table 1. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Children’s Literature continued
Book |
Type of Book & Grade Level |
Plot |
Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/ Transgender Information |
Eight Seconds by Jean Ferris, Harcourt, Inc 2000. ISBN 0-15-202367-4 |
Fiction Chapter Book 6-10 |
John is spending his summer at Rodeo camp. He is enjoying riding bulls and hanging out with all the guys until he realizes his friend, Kit, is gay. |
Gay Orientation Friendship Prejudice Family issues |
What if Someone I Know is Gay? By Eric Marcus, Penguin Putman 2000. ISBN 0-8431-7612-1 |
Non-Fiction Chapter Book 7-12 |
Questions and Answers about gay and lesbian lifestyle, including being accepted and how, family, friends, religion, marriage, etc. Included is an excellent list of resources on Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender. |
Prejudice Gay/Lesbian Activism School Issues Family Acceptance Homosexual Contact Religion Friendship |
Gay Rights by Judith C. Galas, Lucent Books, Inc. 1996. ISBN 1-56006-176-6 |
Non-Fiction Chapter Book 7-12 |
This book gives factual legal information and history, along with explanations of homosexuality, an overview of homosexual lifestyles and the way society reacts to it. |
History Gay/lesbian family Prejudice AIDS Organizations Legal Issues |
Speaking Out-Teenagers Talk on Race, Sex, and Identity by Susan Kuklin, G.P. Putnam's Sons 1993. ISBN 0-399-22532-3 |
Non-Fiction Chapter Book 7-12 |
True Stories told by teenagers about growing up, dealing with peers, racism, sexuality, and identity. |
Prejudice Racism Bisexual Orientation Gay/Lesbian Orientation Family Issues School Issues |
Hearing Us Out-Voices for the Gay and Lesbian Community by Roger Sutton (photographs by Lisa Ebright), Little, Brown and Company 1994. ISBN 0-316-82325-0 |
Non-Fiction Chapter Book 7-12 |
Nineteen First-person interviews and with people of all ages, from teens to grandmothers, and their struggles with being Homosexual. The stories and funny, sad, wise, and validating. |
Gay/Lesbian Family Family Acceptance Transgender Orientation AIDS Prejudice Legal Issues Gay/Lesbian Orientation Bisexual Orientation Resources Religion |
Sileo & Sileo ã 2005
Table 1. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Children’s Literature continued
Book |
Type of Book & Grade Level |
Plot |
Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/ Transgender Information |
The Journey Out by Rachel Pollack and Cheryl Schwartz, Penguin Group 1995. ISBN 0-670-85845-5 |
Non-Fiction Chapter Book 7-12 |
This book provides advice for dealing with issues that gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth encounter. It gives quotes from homosexual teens and facts about legal, political, and social issues. |
Sexual Diseases Prejudice Stereotypes Religion Bisexual Orientation Gay/lesbian Orientation Transgender Issues |
Gay and Lesbian Rights...A Struggle by Marilyn Tower Oliver, Enslow Publishers, Inc. 1998. ISBN 0-89490-958-4 |
Non-Fiction Chapter Book 7-12 |
This book profiles the history of Gay Rights, along with Lesbian and gay issues at school and gay youth. It gives an overview of the rights that homosexuals have in society and gives a list of organizations. |
Gay Rights History Marriage Gay/Lesbian Family AIDS School Issues Prejudice |
My Heartbeat by Garret Freymann-Weyr, Houghton Mifflin Company 2002. ISBN 0-618-14181-2 |
Fiction Chapter Book 7-12 |
Ellen, a seventh grader, is totally in love with her brother’s best friend, Jame’s. Come to find out James has had relationships with men and possibly Ellen’s brother, Link. |
Social acceptance Homosexual Orientation Family Conflict Bisexual Orientation |
Conversations with God for teens by Neale Donald Walsch (foreword by Alanis Morissette), Hampton Roads Publishing 2001. ISBN 1-57174-263-8 |
Fiction Chapter Book 7-12 |
This book contains questions from teens around the world about their societal concerns and their identity; with answers not for them to follow but, to consider when trying to discover themselves. |
Religion Life Issues Sexual contact 9/11/2001 Gay/lesbian orientation |
Am I Blue? Coming Out from the Silence edited by Marion Dane Bauer, HarperCollins Publishers 1994. |
Fiction Chapter Book 7-12 |
16 short stories about characters who explore aspects of growing up gay or lesbian or with gay or lesbian friends or families. |
Gay/lesbian family Gay Orientation Lesbian Orientation Stereotypes Family Issues Family Acceptance Prejudice |
Sileo & Sileo ã 2005
Table 1. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Children’s Literature continued
Book |
Type of Book & Grade Level |
Plot |
Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/ Transgender Information |
The New Civil War-the Lesbian and Gay Struggle for Civil Rights by Diane Silver, Franklin Watts 1996. ISBN 0-531-11290-X |
Non-Fiction Chapter Book 9-12 |
This book discusses the Gay and Lesbian struggle, civil rights, lifestyles, and religious and social issues. |
Lesbian Orientation Gay Orientation Religion Legal Issues Prejudice AIDS Gay/Lesbian Family Homosexual Teens |
Out Spoken- Role Models from the Lesbian and Gay Community by Michael Thomas Ford, Morrow Junior Books 1998. ISBN 0-688-14896-4 |
Non-Fiction Chapter Book 9-12 |
Eleven out lesbians and gay men from various walks of life talk about themselves and their careers. They answer questions asked by teens and talk about the fulfilling life they lead in and beyond the gay community. |
Religion Transgender Orientation Prejudice School issues Marriage Bisexual Orientation Suicide Resources Stereotypes Gay/Lesbian Orientation |
Gay Rights by Tamara L. Roleff, Greenhaven Press, Inc. 1997. ISBN 1-56510-531-1 |
Non-Fiction Chapter Book 9-12 |
Gives a legal overview about what is accepted legally and what should be accepted as far as gay rights are concerned. It examines current social, political and economic issues. |
Gay/Lesbian Family Legal Issues Homosexual Orientation AIDS |
The Shared Heart-Portraits of Stories Celebrating Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Young People by Adam Mastoon, William Morrow & Company 1997. ISBN 0-688-14931-6 |
Non Fiction Biographical 9-12 |
True stories told by young people facing the challenges of growing up gay, lesbian, and bisexual. Their fight against stereotypes and statistics and how to be true to whom you are no matter what. |
Homosexual Orientation Gay/Lesbian support groups Prejudice Family Conflict Lesbian Family Sexual Relationships Transgender Orientation |
Sileo & Sileo ã 2005
Table 1. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Children’s Literature continued
Book |
Type of Book & Grade Level |
Plot |
Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/ Transgender Information |
Homosexuality by Robert E. Dunbar, Enslow Publishers 1995. ISBN 0-89490-665-8 |
Non-Fiction Chapter Book 9-12 |
A factual book that discusses alternative lifestyles, including gay and lesbian points of view, current scientific research, and legal issues relating to homosexuality. |
Gay/Lesbian Movements Sexual Orientation Suicide Bisexual Orientation Prejudice Legal Issues History |
Gay Rights by Tricia Andryszewski, Twenty First Century Books 2000. ISBN 0-7613-1568-3 |
Non-Fiction Chapter Book 9-12 |
This Book gives us a political view of Gay/Lesbian life. It discusses rights, laws, religion, and family life. |
Legal Issues Marriage Gay/Lesbian Family History Religion Activism Prejudice |
Psychiatry, Psychology, and Homosexuality by Ellen Herman, Chelsea House Publishers 1995. ISBN 0-7910-2628-0 |
Non-Fiction Chapter Book 9-12 |
This book charts in depth the love-hate relationship between Mental health professional and homosexuals and defining what is "normal". |
Medical Views AIDS Transgender Issues Homosexual Views Activism Bisexual Orientation Gay/Lesbian Orientation Psychology |
Baby Be-Bop by Francesca Lia Block, Joanna Cotler Books 1995. ISBN 0-06-024880-7 |
Fiction Chapter Book 9-12 |
A story about Dirk McDonald, who has known since he was very young that he wasn’t a typical boy. It is his struggle with confronting his sexuality and trying not to break his grandmother’s heart and shatter her perfect world. |
Family Acceptance Homosexual Orientation Pregnancy Prejudice Death Family Conflict |
Peter by Kate Walker, Houghton Mifflin Company 1991. ISBN 0-395-64722-3 |
Fiction Chapter Book 9-12 |
A story about Peter, a 15-year old boy, who is trying to fit into the expectations of the society he lives in until he realizes he is attracted to his brother’s friend, David. |
Homosexual Contact Gay Orientation Prejudice Stereotypes |
Sileo & Sileo ã 2005
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