SUBSCRIBE FOR ONLY $16.99!

Uncomfortable Truths: What If Santa Claus Was Gay?

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, 50th Anniversary of the Decriminalization of Homosexuality in Canada Special Issue, 2019

By Christine L. Cho

Society is not always as accepting as our laws would lead us to believe. Recent revocation of the 2014 Health and Physical Education curriculum in Ontario* is a testament to that fact. I currently teach at a Faculty of Education and often engage in serious, and sometimes spirited, conversations with my Bachelor of Education (BEd) students about LGBTQ+ issues in relation to school.

Sometimes, the concerns we tackle are about content implications, “What happens if a student [writes, says, draws, paints something] that is gay?” This is a curious trepidation for me, but it’s usually quickly followed up with the real concern, “What if a parent gets upset and thinks we are talking about homosexuality in class?”

Homosexuality has been decriminalized for 50 years and yet many teachers still worry about offending the values and beliefs of homophobic people. Fear percolates through teacher candidates. The teaching profession tends to be very conservative, seemingly projecting a “neutral” tone. The perception amongst future teachers is that you maintain the status quo: everyone is heterosexual until proven otherwise.

I press my BEd students to focus on normalizing difference in order to take away the fear. We work to think about relationships, to put aside the stigma of homosexuality and societal “norms” by focusing instead on affirming the complexity of relationships that exists among human beings.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Christine L. Cho, PhD, is a Professor at Nipissing University’s Schulich School of Education. A practicing visual artist and a former elementary school teacher, Christine utilizes visual media and critical pedagogy to expand upon diverse ways of knowing. Her research contributes to current educational conversations on racial, ethnic, linguistic, and LGBTQ+ representation in schools.

Education News

NASSP Launches New Online Course to Help Principals Build Career-Connected Learning 

Designed by and for school leaders, the course provides a step-by-step framework to help principals create career-connected learning experiences using their existing teams and resources.

COSI Earns Four Emmy® Awards for Delivering Science Programming That Engages, Resonates, and Sticks

COSI’s Emmy® wins include its hit animated series “Dr. B in 3,” which transforms complex science into bite-sized lessons for curious minds of all ages.

Common Sense Media Launches New Digital Literacy & Well-Being Curriculum

Revamped curriculum features lessons on online safety, building healthy mindsets, managing screen time, AI literacy, and more.

The Secret to Thriving Schools? Parents Who Feel Safe and Heard

To create a culture of safety and help parents feel confident sending their children to school, school leaders must communicate with families about the safety measures that are in place.

Join Our Newsletter

Join now for a chance to win 1 of 2 $25 Indigo e-gift cards this month!

Christine L. Cho
Christine L. Cho
Christine L. Cho, PhD, is a Professor at Nipissing University’s Schulich School of Education. A practicing visual artist and a former elementary school teacher, Christine utilizes visual media and critical pedagogy to expand upon diverse ways of knowing. Her research contributes to current educational conversations on racial, ethnic, linguistic, and LGBTQ+ representation in schools.

Advertisement

Read More

Professional and Present: Creating Healthy Boundaries in Your First Year of Teaching

Early in your teaching career, there are many areas in which you should consider establishing boundaries. Here are three that should be at the top of your list.

NASSP Launches New Online Course to Help Principals Build Career-Connected Learning 

Designed by and for school leaders, the course provides a step-by-step framework to help principals create career-connected learning experiences using their existing teams and resources.

COSI Earns Four Emmy® Awards for Delivering Science Programming That Engages, Resonates, and Sticks

COSI’s Emmy® wins include its hit animated series “Dr. B in 3,” which transforms complex science into bite-sized lessons for curious minds of all ages.

3 Places to Buy Sensory Toys Online for Special Needs Students

Explore sensory toys that support focus, calming, and skill-building for students with special needs—plus where to find them online.

Ditch the Desk and Embrace the Flex

I began the school year in a classroom with eighteen standard desks. Today, I have none. This isn’t a lament about budgetary constraints or overcrowded classrooms; it’s a deliberate choice.

Common Sense Media Launches New Digital Literacy & Well-Being Curriculum

Revamped curriculum features lessons on online safety, building healthy mindsets, managing screen time, AI literacy, and more.
rushbet mexico | mgm casino | free las vegas slots online | sports casino | calientemx casino online | juegos pum | caliente x | casino fiesta | montecarlo casino | jackpot city online casino | casino codere guadalupe nl | pumas vs america historial | cuántas cartas trae la baraja | juegos olímpicos de parís 2024 | best casino | alineaciones de pumas contra cruz azul | casino la cima mérida | quick hit slot machine | fiesta temática casino para mujer | bwin casino | casino online uae | new york casino monterrey | rey casino | casino winpot | pop casino | calient | imagenes de casino | rfc al azar | rueda de casino | maquinas casino | ruleta online gratis sin deposito | las vegas free slots machines | caesars slots | jackpot cash casino online | reglas para la ruleta | bono bienvenida casino | maquina tragamonedas como funciona | máquinas tragamonedas con crupier | stakes casino | lotería betsson apk | coolbet casino | casinos en la paz | caliente sports | jugar juegos de casino gratis tragamonedas viejas | codere app | casino el consuelo | big bola casino metepec | hollywood casino mty | fichas casino | orus casino manzanillo | calientesports mx | mexico vs guatemala 2023 | como ganar dinero compartiendo videos en facebook | casino emotion cuitláhuac | casino eventos |