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Teachers are one of the faculty members that many students see on a day to day basis and as a result derive a lot of their thought process and behavior from. As a result they should set the tone in creating a safe space for free expression and honesty allowing student to be themselves unapologetically. As we saw in the reading, teachers have the power to set the tone and make students feel comfortable. At the end of the day if there is truly no one else that is making one feel safe there should be an adult of power to protect and create a space for student to go to. Additionally on the other side if students see teachers also feeding into not being supportive of certain groups then it reinforces students' bad behavior of treating certain student poorly. Thus due to all of this teachers have a crucial rule of fostering a comfortable environment for students.

Catelynn Chen

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Parents are such an integral part of their children's lives. By educating themselves and keeping an open mind, they can best support their children and be a pillar of strength for them when their children face injustice and/or struggles in other spaces. They can create a safe space for their children; a sense of security that is necessary when you are forming/questioning your identity.

Noor Bashir

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Parents can work to create a safe environment where their children feel safe and comfortable in their identity. They can work make a home where their child doesn't feel afraid to be themself. I think one helpful strategy for parents would be to read up on current issues of identity and stay up to date with these topics, since they time period that they grew up in was very different than when we are growing up.

Sabrina Henderson

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Teachers can help students find their own "cupboard"—a safe, personal space for identity exploration—by creating an inclusive and affirming classroom environment. This involves explicitly addressing and dismantling heteronormative assumptions, incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences into the curriculum, and acknowledging the continuous nature of identity formation, as highlighted in the discussions of "coming-out" as an ongoing process. Educators should also facilitate student-led groups like Gay-Straight Alliances and provide resources that reflect diverse identities, thereby promoting a culture of acceptance and understanding that empowers all students to explore and affirm their identities safely.

Zhihao Hong

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Teachers can encourage and create a more inclusive classroom by having more open minded conversations and discourse around topics of LGBTQ+ identity. Instead of turning a blind eye to homophobic behaviors, teachers could discipline students educate them to use more inclusive languages. Teachers should also create a safe place and express openness towards students who are in the closet or do not feel comfortable about their queer identity could open up and realize that they have an ally.

Sabrina Henderson

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I think that parents play a critical role in helping to promote inclusivity within society. Often parents are the first people students interact with that gives insight to societal norms. Parents are able to provide love and support for children and cultivate an environment where they are comfortable to express themselves. I also think parents allowing children to discover and explore their identity are able to establish a home in which their child feels safe. This is important as the comfortability a child feels with their own identity can carry over into other areas of society. Their security in themselves can benefit them in other areas of life like school, social relations, community etc.

Sophie Lopez

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Teachers can be more open-minded and make sure to create a safe and equal space for all their students. They can make sure to show their support by asking simple things like their students pronouns. I think the main one can be to make sure to not turn the other way when one of their students needs them. They can help create a save environment for all students by actively using language that is inclusive

Lesly Avelino Yara Araujo

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Teachers have the opportunity to defend LGBTQ+ students and create their classroom into a safe place. Providing resources to students is important for teachers to provide. Supporting students that are in the community and not treating them differently is something teachers can do.

Elena Salinas, Gongjia Zhang, Tingyu Zhang, Jezabel Perez

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Parents can help students feel comfortable at home by providing mental and physical support. Additionally, they can support their children in creating an LGBTQ-friendly classroom by being sure to use respectful language when talking about LGBTQ identities. In many cases, kids will follow their parents' behaviors to treat other groups of people. So it is always important to give the children some positive feedback about these identities. Moreover, thoughtful communication and encouragement for their children when it comes to identity development is essential for building their self-esteem. This open-mindedness makes children more comfortable to talk about the issue and address the concerns they may have to their parents.

Sandy Xie

Karen Li

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In the classroom, teachers can promote a safe space by utilizing their power to be defenders of all students which includes pointing out hateful speech and explaining why it's wrong.

Providing resources to groups both in and out of school where students can feel welcomed

Make sure your classroom is a safe space by putting up signifiers that show everyone is welcome in class

ex: a flag, positive posters, etc.

Make curriculum more inclusive using LGBTQ+ examples

Using gender inclusive terms like "y'all", etc.

Sofia Jaramillo, Itzel Hernandez Garcia, Katherine Barrera, Helem Rivera

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Teachers can talk about inclusivity at the beginning of the school year, so that students understand what this means and that they will be accepted. Teachers making it clear that they will be supported and this can be things like having a flag in the classroom or verbally saying it. Teachers should also reach out to students and get to know them on a personal level, so that students are more comfortable with their teachers and more willing to reach out.

Monique Avalos Campos, Jessica Becerra, Stephanie Robles, Maribel Santana, Byanca Carrizales, Erick Verduzco Figueroa

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I believe that parents play a crucial role in ensuring their children feel accepted. Personally, I highly value my parents' opinions and strive to make them proud at all times, as they have shaped the person I am today. I am certain that many others share this sentiment, and having such influential figures in your life can make a significant difference in society. I believe that individuals are more likely to feel comfortable being themselves and opening up to their friends when they have unwavering support from their parents. Therefore I think that parents can practice inclusivity for the overall benefit of their child.

Sabrina Diaz

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Parents

Parents should be proactive about LGBTQ+ issues, identities, and experiences. This knowledge can help them better understand their child's world and the challenges they may face. Parents need open communication at home. Let child know that it is safe to talk about their feelings, experiences, and identities without judgment. This openness can help them feel supported and valued. Parents should also support their social lives by encouraging them to participate in LGBTQ+ friendly and affirmative activities and groups. Supporting them to make friends who affirm and understand their identity is essential to their emotional well-being. Parents should demonstrate acceptance and respect for diversity in their children's daily behaviors and interactions. If their children face discrimination or harassment because of who they are, parents need to be prepared to stand up for them.

Zichuan Zhang, Sean Nietschke, Andy Gao

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School board members have the power to implement policies and regulations that are then passed down onto administrators in the district, who in turn influences teachers and the classroom environment. Heavily politicized school boards in conservative districts often restricts the power of faculty in discussing certain "hot topic" issues, such as experiences and histories from the LGBTQ+ community. School boards have the power to create a vision for the school district, and that can include a more diverse and inclusive hiring of staff and teachers.

Mary Reffitt, Sairah Nadeem, Gina Luong, Junchi Huang

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Role of Administrators in creating an inclusive environment 

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Role of Administrators in creating an inclusive environment 

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Admin can create safe spaces and open discussions about the LGBTQ+ by organizing assemblies and adding sexuality Sex Ed classes, exposing students to the idea that people have different sexual preferences other than heterosexual. Additionally there could be additional funding for LGBTQ programs such as clubs promoting a safe space for not only LBGTQ students, but also cis students who want to learn and embrace different lifestyles. Additionally admin can train teachers in Professional Development on students with different sexualities and how to recognize when students are being homophobic and not inclusive, and teaching them to stop it early so that it doesn't continue and become something that impact LGBTQ students.

Ravdeep Singh

Eric Ayala

Matthew Hirokawa

Omar Pizana-Hernandez

Haotian Yu

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Parents can prepare and introduce their children to LGBTQ community in advance because if they experience it in public spaces without their parents there, they will question things. Overall teaching their kids about respect and respecting others. Additionally, cultivating an environment where they are able to express themselves freely and let them know it is ok to not follow gender norms. If parents are not comfortable talking about it, they can try to be as supportive as they can by directing them to people and resources that can help them.

Alyssa Magtoto-Diaz, Lourdes Buan, Camila Ferrel, Elaina Yu

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Teachers can encourage an inclusive classroom environment by allowing their students to express themselves in assignments and class projects. This way students understand how to diverse their class is. Teachers can also discuss the importance of respecting each others backgrounds and identities. Teachers can also ask for any name or pronouns they prefer to go by at the beginning of the school year. This allows the students to feel more comfortable in their own skin.

Alexa Sessler

Faith Arellano

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What can ADMINISTRATORS do to help students find their own cupboard?

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What can ADMINISTRATORS do to help students find their own cupboard?

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Administrators could make schools a more inclusive environment by advocating for more LGBTQ awareness for students.

The inclusion of more activities and more supportive outlets for students who feel similar to one another can communicate and share their experiences and give support to one anohter

provide accessible therapists for counselors to go to

creating more respectful settings by educating all students on the topic

not restricting the curriculum and not limit material or conversations to not include topics discussing LBTQ matters

Hayley Escobar, Veronica M, Lizbeth G, Yesenia I

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We believe parents should be open to having "uncomfortable" conversations with their children. Parents should also make them feel safe, validate their feelings, and actively listen to them. Parents should also communicate with all of their children, so that siblings are supportive of one another. Students should have a secure home environment because it influences how they see things in the real world or in other communities.

Andrea Romero, Selene Hernandez, Emma Medina, Jenna Johnson

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What can parents do to help students find their "own" cupboard?

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What can parents do to help students find their "own" cupboard?

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being support all the time, give enough love. Respect their autonomy and allow them the freedom to explore and define their identity.

Offer resources and support to help child pursue their interests and passions.

Foster open communication. Create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where child feels comfortable expressing themselves.

Listen actively to their thoughts, feelings, and aspirations, and offer guidance and encouragement as they navigate their interests and identity.

Jolie Robinson

Jiayi Li

Carys Tam

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Parents can be more accepting and progressive towards the LGBTQ+ community. LGBT topics being talked about in schools is being prevented by parents protesting and resisting change. With the avoidance of LGBT topics, it may be seen as taboo and students may be scared to be themselves. Parents can also show acceptance in the home environment as student views are affected by attitudes at home and local community.

Max Okamoto

Ruby Arevalo

Esteffany Paredes

Fuji Yu

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Encourage Exploration: Teachers can create opportunities for students to try different activities, subjects, and projects. This could include clubs, workshops, guest speakers, or interdisciplinary projects.

Provide Resources: Teachers can guide students to resources like books, websites, and community programs that align with their interests. This helps students delve deeper into topics they're curious about.

Yifei Xu

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We think that parents can start teaching their children about the LGBTQ+ community and promote the ideas of diversity and inclusivity at an earlier age. By doing this children will be more aware of the different backgrounds and identities that exist and it will be more natural to them instead of judging them and following societal norms. Right now we live in a society that promotes heteronormativity so a lot of children are sheltered from these different identities and cultures. Therefore, by starting younger they will know how to be more inclusive to all people regardless of race, gender, or sexuality.

Miranda Melgar

Angela Chavez

Amy Reynoso

Valerie Becerra

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"What can teachers do to help students find their *own* cupboard?" 

# data[].attributes.subject
"What can teachers do to help students find their *own* cupboard?" 

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As educators, it is critical to create a space that is safe and welcoming for every student. Teachers have the ability to not only show support for their students within the classroom, but also become a mentor or comfort person for a student who may not be appreciated in their home. Teachers can have conferences with parents to help advocate for the child and provide support for both parties to better their relationship.

Veonn McCarlen

Kylie Morales

Brooke Han

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Teachers can be conscious of their words towards students in the LGBTQ community. They can also treat everyone equally and call out students who are being discriminatory. Teachers should also not shy away from topics that involve the LGBTQ community and should actively advocate for students of the LGBTQ community. It would also be important to include more queer literature and art to educate students who are non-LGBTQ. Additionally, videos to help educate everyone about LGBTQ community would be beneficial to all.

Kara Hong

Jesiah Hernandez

Austin Rawlings

Hao Guo

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To help students find their own cupboard, teachers should be open and accepting about discussing sexuality in their classrooms rather than maintaining "neutrality." They should promote an environment where students of all gender and sexual identities are welcome. This can be accomplished by providing links to resources about LGBTQ support groups and fostering positive dialogue. With their influence, they should also intervene when students are experiencing homophobia and provide support when they are struggling.

Jasmine Phan

Gerardo Espinosa

Chloe Garcia

Zimeng Zhang

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"What can teachers do to help students find their own cupboard?" 

# data[].attributes.subject
"What can teachers do to help students find their own cupboard?" 

# data[].attributes.body
Teachers should look to include more stories and achievements of others within the LGBTQ+ community to shine the light on that community as their still a group of individuals. They should look to address stereotypes and help students be aware that just because they opened up about their gender that they're still humans at the end of the day. Respect can be taught in various ways, not just kindness or gestures but rather by promoting a ensuring that they have a safe environment within the classroom to embrace who they are. Look to promote the idea that stating your own opinion is better than staying silent as every voice matters.

Ronald Encanto, Cris Torres, Albert Vu

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Using inclusive language, such as pronouns so students can properly identify each other. Displaying a pride flag in the classroom. Showing their acceptance for all students and having their classroom be a safe haven for students who might not feel welcome by their peers.

Leigh Mitchell, Lindsey Kung, Jacqueline Gonzalez, Joslyn Marra

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As teachers, we play a critical and active role in fostering an inclusive environment that helps students find their "own cupboard," a metaphor for a safe and accepting space where they can truly be themselves. To help students in this way, teachers can implement several strategies:

1. Curriculum Integration: Include diverse perspectives and stories in the curriculum that reflect various cultures, identities, and life experiences. This helps all students see themselves represented in their learning materials, which is crucial for building self-esteem and a sense of belonging.

2. Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional development to better understand the issues facing marginalized communities and to learn strategies for creating more inclusive educational environments.

3. Open Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with students, encouraging them to share their thoughts, concerns, and experiences. Listening actively and empathetically can help students feel valued and understood.

Weilin Zhang, Zikun Qian

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Parents can be more open-minded and accepting of their child regardless of their sexual orientation is very important for creating an inclusive space for a child. They should try to hear out their child and communicate about sexual orientation to their child rather than shying away from the topic. Parents can closely monitor their kids outside of their home, potentially reaching out to teachers and administrators in school to have a better understanding of their sexual identity. This removes the bubble of the home and demonstrates that the parent is willing to learn about their child's identity and genuinely cares to support them. Additionally, if parents have hesitancy and hold past negative beliefs around nontraditional sexual orientations, they should seek out other resources from their child to better understand their perspective and come to the topic with an open mind.

Meghan Pham

Mi Young Son

Brian Hyunmin Chung

Chika Le

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"What can teachers do to help students find their *own* cupboard?" 

# data[].attributes.subject
"What can teachers do to help students find their *own* cupboard?" 

# data[].attributes.body
Something that teachers can do is focus on a certain social topic such as women's history month or different racial groups and talk about during that month so that students are able to learn and be made more aware. Libraries can also support this by displaying books related to the monthly topic so that it creates a comfortable space to discuss and have conversations about the monthly topic. This can be a method of supporting students find their own cupboard in the classroom with their peers and teachers. (Yerin Ko, Quincey Davidson, Xiaofeng Xu, Haosi Li)

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Teachers can ensure that they are a trusted adult for the student to open up to about anything related to this. The teacher should show that being queer is something to be proud of instead of something to be hidden or ashamed of. They should also challenge any homophobic remarks made in class to make a safe space in the classroom and at school.

Kaila Palisoc

Ashlley Torres

Elena Jimenez

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"The greatest gift any teacher can give their

student is the ability to believe in themselves and their abilities, irrespective of their gender

identity and sexuality" (pg. 3)

What can teachers do to help students find their own cupboard?

Teachers can be a resource for the students to come to. Someone who supports their emotional needs and is able to assist them with getting help when they ask for it.

Foster a positive learning environment for all students.

Allow everyone to embrace their identities and celebrate diversity in the classroom.

Create a safe space on campus for all.

Isabella Chard, Gabriela Esparza, Katrina Olivas

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Teachers can help students feel comfortable in the classroom by introducing students to material from people of different backgrounds, for example, queer authors that normalize the LGBTQ experience. Like in "The Cupboard Without a Rainbow Flag", their teacher was very active and was outward towards providing the students with support. because they saw the struggle that they were facing. Many teachers take a neutral stance, but the best thing they can do is acknowledge the student's struggle and treat them as human.

Keilee Tizon, Jiho Lee, Justin Zhou, Taleeb Weaver

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Treat students who are LGBTQ the same as all the other students

When doing an activity, teachers shouldn't divide students between LGBTQ students and non LGBTQ students

Inclusivity and not treating anyone different; also, when there's bullying going on, they should be the ones to stand up for students as they are the authority figure

Supporting positive dialogue towards the students and creating a safe space

Supporting LGBTQ students no matter what

Aniston Velasquez Yunze Wu, Angela Yee, Sunjae Lee

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School board members can work to implement clubs where LGBTQ students can come together and discuss their feelings regarding their identities and be in a comfortable space surrounded by like-minded people. Additionally, they have the power to implement rules and policies in order to ensure that schools remain a safe place for students to freely express themselves without fear of being suppressed.

Arman Bains

Tiffany Le

Linxin Liu

Prabhtaj Gill

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Please decide what ROLE you would like to be in thinking about ways to increase inclusivity (based on the reading), and then answer the question below.

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Please decide what ROLE you would like to be in thinking about ways to increase inclusivity (based on the reading), and then answer the question below.

# data[].attributes.body
"What can ________ do to help students find their *own* cupboard?"

BLUE = teachers
RED = administrators
GREEN = school board members
YELLOW = parents

NOTE: Pick any role that you would like as a group and also sign your names, too!