The identity of Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ) youth is shaped by their experience of education.
LGBTQ students face an additional challenge when it comes to finding representation and validation of their identities in educational materials. This has led to a sense of isolation, lack of confidence, and difficulty fitting in among peers. The following explores how this issue manifests itself in various areas such as literature, curriculum, media, and teachers' attitudes toward gender expression.
Invisibility in Literature
Literature plays a significant role in forming self-identity for all children.
Seeing themselves reflected in books helps children build self-confidence, feel less alone, recognize that they belong, and gain insight into diverse experiences. Unfortunately, many texts available to LGBTQ students do not include characters who are like them. As a result, LGBTQ students may not see themselves represented positively or even at all. They may feel isolated from other students because they have different interests or ways of expressing their sexuality than what is portrayed in the classroom.
They may internalize negative stereotypes about their identity that reinforce feelings of shame and worthlessness.
Curriculum Invisibility
Curricula also shape student identities through the topics covered, the language used, and the way ideas are presented. When curricula exclude LGBTQ people and issues, LGBTQ students may feel invisible and unimportant. Some educators avoid addressing these topics altogether due to fears around controversy or being politically correct.
Ignoring or silencing these issues can reinforce heteronormative ideas and perpetuate harmful myths about LGBTQ individuals. Students need access to accurate information to develop healthy understandings of sex and relationships.
When schools promote homophobia or transphobia, it creates an unsafe environment where LGBTQ youth feel alienated from their peers and unable to be open about their identity.
Media Invisibility
The media has long been criticized for its lack of representation of LGBTQ people accurately and positively. Television shows, movies, music videos, magazines, advertisements, etc., often depict LGBTQ people as villains, comedians, or objects of ridicule. This contributes to a culture that stigmatizes queer people while normalizing homophobic and transphobic attitudes. When students do not see themselves reflected in popular culture, it makes them feel less important and worthy. It is essential to challenge media stereotypes by presenting diverse images of gender expression, sexuality, and relationship dynamics in classrooms and homes.
Teachers' Attitudes Toward Gender Expression
Teachers play a significant role in how LGBTQ youth experience school. Teachers who affirm gender fluidity and non-binary identities help students build confidence, pride, and self-esteem. Conversely, those who enforce strict gender roles can make LGBTQ students feel ashamed and unwelcome.
Teachers may require boys to wear dresses or girls to wear tuxedos at proms, which reinforces binary expectations. Such practices send the message that being outside of traditional gender norms is wrong or abnormal. Educators must create an inclusive environment where all students are welcome and respected regardless of their gender expression.
Education plays a critical role in shaping student identity formation, self-esteem, and belonging. Invisibility in educational materials affects LGBTQ students disproportionately due to a lack of representation and validation of their experiences. By addressing these issues head-on, educators can create more supportive learning environments for all students.
How does invisibility in educational materials affect identity formation, self-esteem, and belonging for LGBT youth?
Invisibility of sexual and gender identities in education materials can have detrimental effects on LGBTQ+ youth's sense of identity, self-esteem, and feelings of belonging. When young people see themselves reflected in what they learn at school, it helps them develop positive views of their identities. But when their identities are absent from the curriculum, they may feel unseen, invalidated, or even ashamed of who they are.