This chapter really presents an interesting issue. One that I feel gets lot of attention but sees very little progress being made. In fact, it is difficult to tell young kids to be respectful towards homosexuals when it is one of the few issues we have referendum votes on. A well informed kid can just point to the most recent gay marriage bans around the country to confirm their prejudices towards homosexuals. Could you imagine a vote in Wisconsin on whether to make mixed marriages illegal?!? Or a vote to require people pass a literacy exam before being able to vote?
I really feel for the gay and lesbian community on this issue. I don't think the textbook or anyone else for that matter has a fix-all solution on this issue. It is very difficult in this society to create an environment where gay adolescents can feel totally accepted. The textbook only highlights the alienation experienced by adolescents who are self-recognizing their homosexuality.
The issue becomes even more complex when you consider that sexuality is not obvious like race or ethnicity is. Because of this, the teacher must somehow make students aware that they could be in the presence of a gay or lesbian at any moment and must therefore act in a respectful manner. It really comes down to classroom management. A classroom that is run effectively will undoubtedly create an atmosphere where students of all types feel safe and accepted. I have not had to tell any of my students to stop using words like "gay" or "fag."
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