Blog Post 5

Rofes argues that while groups and organizations that work to raise awareness, give support, and make connections between the LGBTQ community and the heterosexual community are positive. He calls for a more radical movement that targets the source of the inequities. Liberal approaches have to do with gradual shifts while radical approaches are more fundamental and involve a massive transformation. I think that the groups that we discussed in class that we’ve seen in our schools such as GSA are all liberal approaches.

Rofes also describes childhood as being very formative. He explains how his childhood was somewhat traumatizing and how he believes made him who he is as an adult. He explains how in order to avoid the traumatization of children, they need to be given more rights. They need to not be treated as property of their parents. He calls for young children to be able to vote. These solutions that Rofes presents are examples of radical approaches, which challenges the contemporary understanding of childhood.

My vision for the school I hope to be teaching in would be very inclusive. I hope that the students of all ages realize both sexual and other differences amongst them and embrace them and try to learn more about each other instead of victimize each other. I hope that this school reflects a change that occurred in our world as well. I think that if these inclusive ideas that Rofes talks about begin in schools and sort of try to make up for children who come from tough or “broken homes”, the world will follow in the footsteps of the schools.