Queering the classrooms: Importance of Having Trans and Queer Representation in Classrooms and Schools

“Jannat, get ready; you will be late for school.” Shouts Amina, Jannat's mother. Hearing this call, Jannat reluctantly goes inside the washroom to change clothes. When they look in the mirror, they feel like crying and not going out of their room at all. The school has been a living hell for Jannat recently. Some of their classmates bully them for being soft-spoken and for the way they walk. Jannat tried to share this with their class teacher, but let alone take action/ warning Jannat's peers; she asked Jannat only to 'behave like a man' in the classroom."

Education is a fundamental aspect of human life, shaping the way we think, act, and interact with the world. It has the power to challenge and transform the systems of oppression that exist in society, creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all. In this context, the presence of trans and queer representation in classrooms and schools is of the utmost importance.

Bell Hooks, a renowned feminist scholar, writer, and social activist, sheds light on the significance of representation in education. In her book, "Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom," Hooks asserts that education has the potential to be a space of liberation, where individuals can learn to resist and challenge oppressive systems. However, she also acknowledges that education can also reinforce and reproduce oppressive structures if it fails to acknowledge and address the experiences of marginalized groups.

One of the ways in which education can reinforce oppression is by failing to acknowledge and include the experiences of trans and queer individuals. The lack of representation of trans and queer identities in classrooms and schools perpetuates the erasure of these experiences, further marginalizing these communities. As Hooks writes, "The failure to educate is a form of violence."

Trans and queer students often face a hostile and discriminatory environment in schools. According to a report by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), 85% of LGBTQ students reported hearing homophobic slurs, while 60% reported experiencing discrimination based on their sexual orientation. Additionally, a study by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation found that 75% of transgender students felt unsafe at school because of their gender identity.

There is still a long way to go when it comes to promoting trans and queer representation in the classroom. In many schools, the experiences and perspectives of trans and queer individuals are either invisible or actively suppressed. This can lead to a lack of understanding and respect among students and can also contribute to a culture of marginalization and exclusion. In order to address these challenges, it is important for educators, policy-makers, and communities to take action to promote trans and queer representation in the classroom.

This hostile and discriminatory environment not only has a negative impact on the mental health and well-being of trans and queer students, but it also hinders their academic success. Research has shown that LGBTQ students who experience discrimination and bullying are more likely to miss school, have lower grades, and have a higher risk of dropping out.

In light of these challenges, it is crucial for schools and classrooms to provide a safe and inclusive environment for trans and queer students. This can be achieved through the inclusion of trans and queer representation in the curriculum, as well as the creation of supportive policies and practices.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of having diverse representation in all aspects of society, including the classroom and the schools. This includes representation of the LGBTQ+ community, which has historically been marginalized and excluded from many mainstream spaces. The presence of trans and queer representation in classrooms and schools is crucial for promoting inclusivity, normalizing diverse identities, and fostering understanding and respect among students.

One of the primary benefits of having trans and queer representation in the classroom is that it helps to promote inclusivity. When students see themselves represented in their textbooks, teachers, and peers, they feel valued and seen. This can have a significant impact on their sense of self-worth and their overall academic performance. When students feel safe and supported, they are more likely to participate in class, ask questions, and engage in meaningful discussions. This creates a more positive and inclusive learning environment for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Another important benefit of having trans and queer representation in the classroom is that it helps to normalize diverse identities. When students are exposed to a variety of perspectives and experiences, they become more accepting of differences and less likely to discriminate against those who are different from themselves. This helps to reduce prejudice, promote understanding, and build a more inclusive and respectful school culture. In turn, this creates a more accepting and welcoming environment for all students, including those who are trans or queer.

Trans and queer representation in the classroom also plays an important role in fostering understanding and respect among students. When students learn about the experiences of trans and queer individuals, they gain a deeper understanding of these communities and the challenges they face. This can lead to increased empathy, respect, and understanding among students, as they develop a greater appreciation for the diversity of human experience. This can also help to reduce bullying and discrimination, as students become more aware of the negative effects of their actions.

In addition to the benefits for individual students, having trans and queer representation in classrooms and schools can also have a positive impact on society as a whole. When young people grow up in an environment that is inclusive and supportive of diversity, they are more likely to become adults who are accepting and respectful of differences. This can help to reduce prejudice and discrimination and promote equality and justice for all. In this way, the presence of trans and queer representation in the classroom can help to create a better future for everyone.

Additionally, the inclusion of trans and queer histories and experiences in the curriculum can help to counter the dominant narrative that these identities are unnatural and abnormal. As Hooks writes, "The absence of critical perspectives in education makes it difficult to challenge dominant cultural myths." By including trans and queer perspectives in the curriculum, students can learn to challenge dominant cultural myths and develop a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of gender and sexuality.

The creation of supportive policies and practices is also crucial in creating a safe and inclusive environment for trans and queer students. This includes the implementation of anti-bullying policies that address discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Additionally, schools should provide resources and support for trans and queer students, such as gender-neutral uniforms, bathrooms and safe spaces where these students can connect with others who share their experiences.

In conclusion, the presence of trans and queer representation in classrooms and schools is crucial in promoting a safe and inclusive environment for these students. The inclusion of trans and queer representation in the curriculum and the creation of supportive policies and practices can help to challenge oppressive structures, fostering a culture of trust, safety and belonging for all students including Jannat, and so many like Jannat in thousands of classrooms in India .?

About the author:

Pratyay is a 2019 Teach For India alumni where she taught 9th and 10th graders in a low-income community of Delhi, post which she is working as an instructional designer with Firki teacher training portal at Teach For India. She is also the founder and learning coach at Educators for Equality, which is an initiative to work with teachers and educators on building inclusive classrooms for all children.