"What a country needs to do is be fair to all its citizens - whether people are of a different ethnicity or gender."
- Chinua Achebe
This YouTube video resource is amazing because it really breaks down the difference between gender and sexuality for students to comprehend. Not only does it cover the difference between these two terms commonly used as interchangeable (though they are not), but it also addresses the idea of "differences" existing in general. There is a coverage of history and certain actions taken to discourage and ban harassment or prejudice based on sexuality or gender. It fails to provide specific solutions to examples of issues that can arise in the classroom when there is a lack of respect or understanding for one's gender identity or sexual identity. Teachers and students alike will find the information provided very useful. Though the narrator of the video does a great job of slowly covering each topic, I feel that the information could be more beneficial for middle to high school students, which leaves younger students at a disadvantage to understanding. However, the teacher can use the video for his or her own preparation, and then use small activities in the classroom to teach students about the disadvantages of being placed in a box. For example, to address gender identity, an activity can take place where all the students line up in the front of the classroom. The teacher may have examples of groups of two that the students must arrange themselves within (i.e. likes sports vs. likes clothes). Students are also given the option that if they feel they do not fit within one of the groups, to remain in the front of the classroom. By carrying out an activity like this, it can lead into a discussion about gender roles and gender identity being classified as only existing in two forms - female and male - when in fact, there can be other possibilities (i.e. those students who did not fit the groups).
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