Lesson 1
This lesson focuses on the LGBTQ+ community and how diverse gender identities and sexual orientations have existed in many cultures before colonization. The gender binary that we have today (man/woman) comes from Christianity that was spread by colonization. Unfortunately, today many LGBTQ+ folks have suffer violence and discrimination because of how widespread heteronormativity has become.
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This interactive map allows you to explore different genders and sexual orientations that have existed across the globe. This map illustrates how universal diverse gender identities are, and how long they have existed. Click on any of the blue dots to learn more.
READ:
Two Spirits, One Heart, Five Genders
Life Story: The Public Universal Friend
Discussion Questions:
- Did you know there were so many places that had third genders? Did it surprise you that many of the people who identified with a third gender were often raised by their families as (what we would call today) trans or non binary?
- When you look at the United States on the interactive map there are a few blue dots. What do you think happened to Native Americans who identified as Winkte, Nadleehi, Dilbaa or Two-Spirit during colonization?
- How is biological sex different from gender identity? How does heteronormativity affect people who are intersex?
- Did you know that Queer people had been a part of US history before the 1960s?
Lesson 2
This lesson will focus on the ways that heteronormativity has shaped the world we live in and has been encoded into our culture. Students will learn how LGBTQ+ people have resisted these restrictions and how the Queer liberation movement has evolved.
WATCH:
Trigger Warning: Suicide, death, homophobic language
Watch from 32:14-39:26
READ:
The Supreme Court showdown over LGBTQ discrimination, explained
Discussion Questions:
- What are some ways that homophobia shows up in the United States? Can you think of any other examples?
- How long has the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights been going on? What are some of the issues people have organized around?
- Has the movement been intersectional? Who has been centered? How could it be more inclusive?
- How did Pride start? How has the movement changed over time?
Lesson 3
In this lesson students will look at some of the current struggles for LGBTQ+ rights, especially as it relates to young people. Although significant gains have been made for Queer rights, there are many young people who are still unable to live their truth.
READ:
‘Trans kids are not new’: a historian on the long record of youth transitioning in America
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Discussion Questions:
- What are some of the gains of the LGBTQ+ movement?
- How are LGBTQ+ rights still being challenged today?
- Do you think changing discriminatory laws is the solution to discrimination? Why or why not? What other objectives and strategies should be included?
- How does the song “Montero” by Lil Nas X and the music video challenge heteronormativity? Why do you think people had such strong reactions to the song and video? What do you think Lil Nas X was trying to accomplish with this song?
