A 2019 Rainbow Wave in Politics
In the fight for social justice, it is difficult to not lose hope. I chose this article concerning LGBTQ representation in the current political race, which shows some improvement in LGBTQ representation in our government. 2018 was characterized by a “rainbow wave” of LGBTQ individuals being elected into office, and this pattern is repeating itself. The article presents some statistics on representation in politics that would be interesting to analyze with students, especially in terms of intersectionality (are more gay women winning than men? how are trans candidates represented in comparison to their gay non-trans counterparts?) .
So often, classroom discussions about US elections are pervaded by the question of “what democrats/republicans are running? who is winning?” as opposed to the question of “who is being chosen to represent our people and how do their identities reflect the identities of the people? Do their identities silence or deny the identities of the people they represent? In case you don’t have time for the whole article, here are a few quotes that could be used in classes that discuss the election.
Some salient statistics/quotes:
- “99 of 200 known LGBTQ candidates winning their races — including a number of successes in historically conservative states such as Virginia and Kentucky.”
- “Trans women specifically — who won in state races in Virginia, Utah, Massachusetts and Iowa — had a success rate at 56 percent.”
- ““As one of the first openly LGBTQ Muslims elected in United States history, N.J. will become a role model for so many LGBTQ students, students of color and Muslim students who too rarely see people like them in positions of power,” Annise Parker, president and CEO of the Victory Fund, said in a statement.”
When it comes to politics … I am often at a loss, because most people in America have no clue how American politics actually work.
It’s all well and good as a progressive living in a progressive state.
How do you imagine a LGBTQ+ person of color teaching in the Bible belt managing to weave politics into their language lessons?
This isn’t meant to be snide (definitely slightly pessimistic though). I’m trying to relate my future context to one in the US. I plan on teaching in what is still a kingdom, a very conservative one at that. We’re not even allowed to discuss the royal family in public.
How can one stand up against such a system and say, hey this isn’t right, and you (The learners) should know about it .
Well, even if the political system is broken, it is important that with the political structures we have in place that LGBTQ people at least have some sort of representation. I think it’s still noteworthy that LGBTQ people are getting their voice heard by someone in politics (the point of sharing this article). To me, it’s really important to maintain hope and appreciate even the smallest of wins for SJ. To respond to your questions:
How do you imagine a LGBTQ+ person of color teaching in the Bible belt managing to weave politics into their language lessons?
Obviously there is no easy answer, but as the speaker mentioned the other day, a class doesn’t have to be a full fledged debate about political beliefs, but rather teaching through the lens of social justice (for example, in a children’s class, challenging gender norms by looking at toys and have students make observations about patterns they see – lots of pink, cooking, ect.) They might receive backlash but nonetheless are fighting the fight and in our country can legally defend themselves if their rights have been violated . They might inspire others to do so as well. As you have said in other comments, and I agree, it is not easy but it is necessary. Also, I think it is important to have LGBTQ+ people of color not only in teaching roles , but also in representation in both school administrations and political roles so that they can try to affect equity in larger educational policy. Whether or not they are in the bible belt or New York city, this work is challenging but necessary. I also think that each state needs to take a hard look in the mirror when it comes to teacher training and include issues of social justice in teacher education.
As per your question concerning your future context, I really know nothing about your context. I don’t know how to over throw a regime, but I can say that perhaps you can still have a social justice agenda that doesn’t interfere with the laws or put your life at risk. Either that, or getting involved with policy change! But again, I know nothing about your context.
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