Gayness, Multicultural Education, and Community by Dennis Carlson

Carlson is tackling a very serious issue in writing this article and it creates emotion on all people involved. Carlson is trying to make the point in this article that being "gay or lesbian" has not been accepted in the standard American culture and schools are a main factor in keeping a gay person from the same protections and opportunities as non-gays. There were several awesome quotes in this article that solidly supports Carlson's argument. I would like to start with one of the three perspectives that Carlson discusses on page 234 it states: "The notion of a community of difference and diversity-what I will call a democratic multicultural community." This quote is saying that communities can be defined by a large group of people from different backgrounds and different relationships. Being gay in our society does not mean you can not be an outstanding contributor to a community. Another quote that was really prejudiced towards the gay community was on page 237 it stated "Throughout this century, one of the primary means of ensuring that gayness was an invisible presence in the school was through the dismissal of teachers who were found out to be homosexuals." This type of discrimination is disturbing, no person should have to hide who they are to keep a professional occupation such as a teacher. There are many gay people in this world who are successful and should be celebrated for their accomplishments not harassed for what goes on in their bedroom. One final quote about the suppression of being gay was on page 238 when Carlson explains" to keep gayness in its place in the school community, verbal and physical intimidation of gay students and teachers has been sanctioned." For students, parents and school leaders to condone and promote the practices that Carlson mentions in this article is tough for me process. I could never judge a person on their sexual preference, I really think what goes on in some one's personal life is their business. If someone felt they needed to share that information with me it would not result in me verbally and physically assaulting them.