I will discuss how including stories about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people can help students develop empathy for others from different backgrounds. This is because they learn more about these groups' experiences and become more sensitive to their struggles.
LGBT narratives have been excluded from school curriculums for decades, but there are now calls for them to be included. According to studies, exposure to LGBT literature has positive effects on students' attitudes towards those who identify themselves as such.
One reason why it matters that students read about diverse characters is that it makes them better citizens who understand different perspectives. They can then apply what they learned to real life situations, becoming more accepting and inclusive.
When we think about democratic values, it becomes clear that we need to include everyone - regardless of race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation. Otherwise, our society would be exclusionary and not open enough for all voices to be heard. Including LGBT stories into education helps achieve this goal. It shows children that everyone deserves respect and dignity.
Many schools in the US already teach about LGBT rights as part of history lessons; however, there is still room for improvement when it comes to making sure the material is up-to-date and accurate.
Some textbooks might oversimplify complex topics like gender dysphoria by using outdated terminology or stereotypes.
Students should also be exposed to a variety of points of view regarding sexuality and gender identity so they do not get stuck in binary thinking patterns. Having access to stories where people challenge traditional gender roles can help them empathize with others who may feel trapped in those same boxes.
Including LGBT narratives in education contributes significantly to civic empathy and democratic values because it creates an understanding for how different groups experience discrimination firsthand. Teaching these stories can prepare students to become active members of their communities who strive towards greater equality for all individuals.
How does inclusion of LGBT narratives in education contribute to civic empathy and democratic values?
A study conducted by Yale University found that teaching diverse perspectives in education can help develop students' ability to understand and respect differences, which is an essential component of fostering civic empathy and democratic values (Schneider et al. , 2019). LGBTQ+ narratives in particular provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by marginalized communities, helping students develop greater understanding of the experiences of others outside their own lived experience.