Teachers can tell stories that focus on how individuals navigate their personal journeys of identity development within the context of society's expectations for their gender and sexuality.
Teachers may begin by asking students to consider the different ways they have been taught about what it means to be a man or woman, straight or queer, and then invite them to reflect on how those messages have impacted their own sense of self. They may share their own experiences navigating these issues, both personally and professionally, and encourage students to do the same. Through this process, educators can create a safe space for students to explore their own identities and relationships while also exploring broader societal dynamics at play.
Stories can help teachers build a sense of community among students and provide a forum for discussion. By sharing personal narratives, teachers create a connection between themselves and their students, which makes it easier for learners to engage in dialogue and ask questions. Stories can also serve as jumping off points for discussions about power structures, cultural norms, intersectionality, oppression, privilege, and allyship.
Narrative teaching can be particularly effective when used to teach about topics like consent, healthy relationships, and communication skills related to sex and intimacy.
A teacher might share a story from their own life in which they struggled with feeling pressured into having sex without being ready and then explain how they worked through that issue to become more comfortable with their body and desires. This type of storytelling allows students to see examples of real-life situations and provides an opportunity to practice critical thinking and problem solving within their own lives.
Aside from stories, educators may use other creative tools such as role playing, art, music, videos, or games to facilitate conversations around gender and sexuality.
Teachers could assign projects where students must create a character who is exploring their identity and write a short story about them overcoming obstacles along the way. Alternatively, they could show a movie clip from a popular romantic comedy and have small groups analyze the characters' relationship dynamics and discuss how they relate to their own experiences.
When using storytelling in the classroom, educators should prioritize accuracy and inclusivity. They should strive to represent diverse perspectives, including those of LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, disabled persons, immigrants, etc., and avoid relying on stereotypes or tropes. Storytelling also requires careful planning; it is important for teachers to ensure they are prepared to handle difficult questions or comments beforehand.
While storytelling can open up new avenues of learning and discussion, it should not be used exclusively. Teachers should provide factual information alongside narratives to contextualize them and encourage self-reflection.
How can educators use storytelling to humanize abstract discussions of gender and sexuality?
Educators can use storytelling to humanize abstract discussions about gender and sexuality by presenting realistic scenarios that illustrate how these concepts are experienced in everyday life. Storytelling allows for empathetic engagement with diverse perspectives on these issues, which can help learners develop a deeper understanding of the complexities involved. Educators should select stories that represent a variety of identities and experiences to create an inclusive learning environment.