Homophobia
is any “attitude, action, or institution that subordinates people because of
their sexual orientation” (Laureate Education, 2011). Homophobia is a type of discrimination that is
used to mistreat, exclude, or promote bias against homosexual and lesbian
people. Heterosexism is promoted mostly
in books, toys, stores, and early childhood centers. People often refer to parents as the mother
and father, and family units are often considered to contain heterosexual parents. In movies, homophobia is promoted by demeaning
homosexuals or making them comical characters.
As a result, children are often exposed to homophobia in their communities.
•Your
response to those who believe that early childhood centers should avoid the
inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian individuals such as same-sex
partnered families
The
inclusion of books depicting gay or lesbian individuals and same-sex partner
families is essential to the development of children. Children need to be exposed to diversity and
learn to accept all types of families. Teaching
children about homosexual parents and same-sex partners “helps them to
understand and relate to these people when they meet children with same-sex
parents” (Laureate Education, 2011). Homosexuality
is a part of the world; therefore, children need to be taught what it is and
how to understand its impact on families.
Reference
Laureate
Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). “Start Seeing Diversity: Sexual
Orientation”.
