Standing Up as an Ally

As a straight white woman, I feel pretty well represented when it comes to American curriculum. However, I do see many circumstances where I feel women are misrepresented. Before I went to an all-girls school, I noticed that gender stereotypes were greatly enforced, and I do not remember hearing about many prominent female figures when it came to history. Although now, at an all-girls school, I notice a lot less stereotyping, I wish that we could have our co-ed schools do the same. I do not identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, but I certainly consider myself an ally. I do not think that the current conversations surrounding sexuality in general are productive, if even existent. I wish that there was not so much stigma surrounding sexual identity, and I think school should be a place that works to abolish this stigma. I also think LGBTQIA+ history is a necessary part of curriculum and it should be taught in all schools. If I were a teacher, I would make it clear from the start that I am an ally, and I would always be there for my students to talk, whether it be about race, gender, or sexuality. With the recent discussions about racial injustice in the media, I have learned about so many historical events regarding race that I was not taught in school. I hope that in the future we try to implement a more diverse narrative in curriculum to ensure that each student feels comfortable and represented.