from Gay Activism in the Schools

Social Worker Advises Comprehensive
'Sexual Orientation' Studies For Students

August 3, 2004 - Social worker Elizabeth Schroeder, writing in American Sexuality Magazine, urges public school teachers to devote larger portions of their class time to discussing homosexuality, bisexuality, and transgenderism.

Ms. Schroeder is a signer of the Alternatives to Marriage Project "Affirmation of Family Diversity," published in 2000. The Alternatives to Marriage Project promotes cohabitation; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender relationships; and polyamory (multiple partners).

Schroeder says that sexual orientation lessons are not being taught effectively in public schools because teachers lack reliable information, fear conflicts with students over religious objections, or are simply uncomfortable discussing such topics.

According to Schroeder, "The primary reason for teaching about sexual orientation is, quite simply, that it is part of who we are. It is not supplemental, but rather vital information that people should have in order to understand their heterosexuality, bisexuality or homosexuality. ... Omitting sexual orientation from a sexuality education course is like omitting grammar from an English class."

Schroeder urges teachers to access resources provided by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, Outproud, as well as Transproud, an organization for teens who are questioning their gender identity.