Now that the (two) final presentations have been given, I can say ........ GREAT JOB, TO EVERYONE !!! Aside from the nervousness (that many of us felt), mixed feelings about the topic of choice or the end product, prep time, possible difficulties in meeting with group members, etc. etc. etc. ............ all of the presentations turned out very well. I could see that a lot of effort went into each one. And, it's great how everyone has been helped in some way either by doing their own presentation research, or by the info. presented by other groups. The info. that each group has presented has also been very helpful in being enlightening about various social justice issues out there, and about ways that we can "help make a difference" individually/locally/globally. Way to go, SOCIAL WORKERS ! ! ! :-)
"The Forgotten Generation" (Elderly population) - I felt that there was a lot of thought and compassion involved in the group members' gathering of info., and it shows that they were really interested in the subject matter. The resource list for the elderly population was great; I didn't know about most of the agencies/services available. I agree that patience and understanding are really essential in working with the elderly. I was really surprised to find out that there's such a low percentage of social workers and doctors who specialize in elder care. I'm still pondering over which population that I'll work with once I'm done with school. Also, I really can't see myself working in a nursing home (due to getting attached, then the person dies, and/or the negative connection that nursing home staff have in general about not taking adequate care of the residents). But, as I'm exposed to more populations, and their issues/needs, I'm leaving my options opened about where I want to do my internship and/or be employed as a social worker. The hand-out was very helpful, and the three things to remember if we want to help: Volunteer, Spread Awareness, and Educate Yourself. Great job, ladies ! :-)
"Non-Traditional Students" - Doing our project was an interesting journey. As stated in the survey, and by group members, time constraints is a big issue for us. So, we met at various times to put everything together. I enjoyed gathering the info., and was really shocked that each survey participant (as undergrads) have had non-trad. students in their classes. I guess the numbers may have been lower had I only talked with freshmen, since most of their classes are huge, and they may not even notice who's sitting next to them each time. I personally didn't really have an issue with being labeled as a non-trad. student until I came to U.T. -- I don't have an "issue" with it now, but what I mean is that I didn't consider myself a non-trad. student before (just a "student"). I know that age-wise, I'm not in the same group as the average Longhorn. But, when I went to ACC, the students varied in age and experiences a lot (from those fresh out of high school to adults returning to school after their children/grandchildren were adults). I've always been the type to set the bar for myself, and not compete with the "young-folks". Then, once I got my first "A" at U.T., it was on! The lack of clubs/organizations well suited to my schedule and interests doesn't really bother me since I don't have a whole lot of time outside my other "adult" commitments to devote to organizations on campus anyway. Great job, ladies! Thanks for inviting me to join your group. :-)
When I first found out about being in a SW cohort, I thought: Okay, are we back in high school where the same group of students take all their classes together? Later, I found out how very helpful this can be, and has been for me and others. You not only see familiar faces each semester, but you also have a group of people with whom you can be accountable regarding class attendance, reminders about assignments/tests, etc. And, there's an additional support system away from home.
THANKS, Everyone for helping me to make it through one more semester. I've learned lots from each of you, and hope you feel the same way. :-)
Monday, April 30, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Group Presentations!
WOW! The presentations this week have been wonderful. From what I've seen, everyone has put in a lot of time and effort into their final products. The passion for the subject matter was also very obvious to me. GREAT JOB, EVERYONE !!!
"After Work Activism" - It's a wonderful gesute that an organization has been formed to allow students and people who work during the day to take an active role in social justice issues -- and, not to be counted out because the rallies/marches are held during times which are inconvenient for their school/work schedules. Meeting the "time-factor" need is very essential to those who would otherwise not be able to get involved with worthwhile community issues. Bravo, for your efforts! :-)
"Project H" [Homelessness] - The initial video (faces of homelessness) was very effective, and the background music helped to get the point across. Interviews with professionals who work with the homeless population as well as members of the homesless community really helped to make the picture more clear for me. It also helped to erase ignorance about the topic, and characteristics of the individuals who are directly affected by it. I agree with Symone that facing this issue head-on causes me to really count my blessings. There are so many things that people take for granted because we don't have to think twice about how (or, whether) certain basic necessities will be available to us on a daily basis. Keep up the great work, ladies! I know you won't stop at this one project. And, thanks for sponsoring the Food Drive; great idea for immediate action. :-)
"Executive Orders" - Though you kept coming across obstacles in your attempt to get answers about executive orders themselves, your perseverance is what counts in the end. The information you've presented to the class has helped to enlighten me in several ways: (1) I now know something about executive orders; (2) I'm encouraged to keep researching and asking questions until I get solid answers about topics which are important to me and those I care about; and (3) Having some basic information about a topic of interest, then passing it along to others is more enlightening than giving up on finding the info. at all. Here's a quote that I came across a few years ago which has helped me through many tough situations: "Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal." (I don't remember the author, but they're still good words to live by.) Keep on searching for answers to the tough questions! :-)
"Educational Disparities" - The opening video clip covered a lot, and was a very effective attention-getter for me. It's sad that there's such a huge difference in the educational opportunities for children, based on the part of town in which they attend school. I definitely agree that positive educational activities for children at a very young age (infancy; actually, they start learning while in the womb) is very essential to how they think about school and the overall process of learning. There are always success stories of children who live in impoverished neighborhoods, yet someone takes an interest and mentors them to (and, through) the road to college. Great job, ladies! Keep coming up with ideas to help motivate parents and students to take more interest in their learning and future endeavors! :-)
Here are a couple of things which came to mind during the presentation.
* I'm not sure whether this is available in all schools (or, in every school district), but one way of parental involvement is via e-mails to and from the child's teachers about progress reports/homework/projects/upcoming events, etc. This was available when my (now, 26-year-old) son went to Kealing Middle School here in Austin, and is still available at the middle school of a co-worker's son (in Round Rock or Pflugerville?).
* A friend of mine was taking some education classes at ACC last year, and as part of her grade, she had to do observations at the elementary, middle school, and high school level. She told me about her experience at LBJ High -- it was not a positive one at all. The students had uncontrollable classroom behavior (being loud and disrespectful to the teachers and fellow students). She said that the teachers didn't enforce classroom order. Emphasis was more on "attendance" (as the school overall received credit from administration and TEA for this), safety and security of the student body as a whole -- academics took a back seat to these three obviously more important areas.
"After Work Activism" - It's a wonderful gesute that an organization has been formed to allow students and people who work during the day to take an active role in social justice issues -- and, not to be counted out because the rallies/marches are held during times which are inconvenient for their school/work schedules. Meeting the "time-factor" need is very essential to those who would otherwise not be able to get involved with worthwhile community issues. Bravo, for your efforts! :-)
"Project H" [Homelessness] - The initial video (faces of homelessness) was very effective, and the background music helped to get the point across. Interviews with professionals who work with the homeless population as well as members of the homesless community really helped to make the picture more clear for me. It also helped to erase ignorance about the topic, and characteristics of the individuals who are directly affected by it. I agree with Symone that facing this issue head-on causes me to really count my blessings. There are so many things that people take for granted because we don't have to think twice about how (or, whether) certain basic necessities will be available to us on a daily basis. Keep up the great work, ladies! I know you won't stop at this one project. And, thanks for sponsoring the Food Drive; great idea for immediate action. :-)
"Executive Orders" - Though you kept coming across obstacles in your attempt to get answers about executive orders themselves, your perseverance is what counts in the end. The information you've presented to the class has helped to enlighten me in several ways: (1) I now know something about executive orders; (2) I'm encouraged to keep researching and asking questions until I get solid answers about topics which are important to me and those I care about; and (3) Having some basic information about a topic of interest, then passing it along to others is more enlightening than giving up on finding the info. at all. Here's a quote that I came across a few years ago which has helped me through many tough situations: "Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off the goal." (I don't remember the author, but they're still good words to live by.) Keep on searching for answers to the tough questions! :-)
"Educational Disparities" - The opening video clip covered a lot, and was a very effective attention-getter for me. It's sad that there's such a huge difference in the educational opportunities for children, based on the part of town in which they attend school. I definitely agree that positive educational activities for children at a very young age (infancy; actually, they start learning while in the womb) is very essential to how they think about school and the overall process of learning. There are always success stories of children who live in impoverished neighborhoods, yet someone takes an interest and mentors them to (and, through) the road to college. Great job, ladies! Keep coming up with ideas to help motivate parents and students to take more interest in their learning and future endeavors! :-)
Here are a couple of things which came to mind during the presentation.
* I'm not sure whether this is available in all schools (or, in every school district), but one way of parental involvement is via e-mails to and from the child's teachers about progress reports/homework/projects/upcoming events, etc. This was available when my (now, 26-year-old) son went to Kealing Middle School here in Austin, and is still available at the middle school of a co-worker's son (in Round Rock or Pflugerville?).
* A friend of mine was taking some education classes at ACC last year, and as part of her grade, she had to do observations at the elementary, middle school, and high school level. She told me about her experience at LBJ High -- it was not a positive one at all. The students had uncontrollable classroom behavior (being loud and disrespectful to the teachers and fellow students). She said that the teachers didn't enforce classroom order. Emphasis was more on "attendance" (as the school overall received credit from administration and TEA for this), safety and security of the student body as a whole -- academics took a back seat to these three obviously more important areas.
Monday, April 23, 2012
More "-isms" / Adult Responsibility / Changes of Life
I hope this doesn't come across as a "soapbox" rant, but more of an expression of personal experience, or a heads-up to what could happen again .............
Anyway, about mid-morning last Friday, my supervisor called me into her office. I didn't know what she wanted, nor what was up. I went in, an she told me that my full time job (of almost 19 years) is now classified as a part time position. My options are to remain in my current position (but, as a part time employee) -- of course, the problem is that my income will be cut in half, and I will have to pay BIG BUCKS for insurance. My husband is on my insurance, and he has health issues, so this option really wouldn't work too well for us. Option two is for me to resign via "Reduction in Force", and I'll remain on the payroll (but not on the premises after today) until June 1st. I guess that's like a severance package. Looking at the positive side, I have all day/every day to look for a new job and submit applications, and we still have insurance for the month of May. I'll still have a paycheck on May 1st and June 1st.
She explained the situation, asked whether I had any questions, and gave me a printed letter of what she'd just explained. She also told me that I could call her over the weekend if I thought of any questions regarding the situation. Of course, I was overwhelmed, shocked, and somewhat confused about what to do. She told me that I needed to leave the premises after our meeting, think about it, and decide what would be best for me and my family. I have to give her written notice of which option I chose after Soc. Justice class TODAY. Of course this is not the end of the world since I have the support, prayers, and encouragement from family and friends. But, it's just bad timing. I've not totally freaked out yet, which is a definite sign of growth for me. I'm trying to look at the big picture, be positive, and proactive in finding the ideal job for me.
Anyway, my message to all of you is that you should ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN "A-Z" in the various phases/stages of your life. When I was a coming up through school as a child/teen, I'd always hear people say that you need a Plan A & B (in case your first plan doesn't work). Well, as I get older, I realize that A&B are not enough. You need multiple plans to avoid as much disappointment as possible, and so that you won't be caught off guard by those who think they have power over your life. I'll be all right, and appreciate all the skills/knowledge/wisdom/relationships, etc. that I've gained over the years. I just want to impart a little wisdom to those of you who have not yet faced the world of work, or at least on a full time basis (or, in a situation where you have to foot your own bills and living expenses). It can be done, but you've gotta keep your eyes and ears opened at all times. :-)
Anyway, about mid-morning last Friday, my supervisor called me into her office. I didn't know what she wanted, nor what was up. I went in, an she told me that my full time job (of almost 19 years) is now classified as a part time position. My options are to remain in my current position (but, as a part time employee) -- of course, the problem is that my income will be cut in half, and I will have to pay BIG BUCKS for insurance. My husband is on my insurance, and he has health issues, so this option really wouldn't work too well for us. Option two is for me to resign via "Reduction in Force", and I'll remain on the payroll (but not on the premises after today) until June 1st. I guess that's like a severance package. Looking at the positive side, I have all day/every day to look for a new job and submit applications, and we still have insurance for the month of May. I'll still have a paycheck on May 1st and June 1st.
She explained the situation, asked whether I had any questions, and gave me a printed letter of what she'd just explained. She also told me that I could call her over the weekend if I thought of any questions regarding the situation. Of course, I was overwhelmed, shocked, and somewhat confused about what to do. She told me that I needed to leave the premises after our meeting, think about it, and decide what would be best for me and my family. I have to give her written notice of which option I chose after Soc. Justice class TODAY. Of course this is not the end of the world since I have the support, prayers, and encouragement from family and friends. But, it's just bad timing. I've not totally freaked out yet, which is a definite sign of growth for me. I'm trying to look at the big picture, be positive, and proactive in finding the ideal job for me.
Anyway, my message to all of you is that you should ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN "A-Z" in the various phases/stages of your life. When I was a coming up through school as a child/teen, I'd always hear people say that you need a Plan A & B (in case your first plan doesn't work). Well, as I get older, I realize that A&B are not enough. You need multiple plans to avoid as much disappointment as possible, and so that you won't be caught off guard by those who think they have power over your life. I'll be all right, and appreciate all the skills/knowledge/wisdom/relationships, etc. that I've gained over the years. I just want to impart a little wisdom to those of you who have not yet faced the world of work, or at least on a full time basis (or, in a situation where you have to foot your own bills and living expenses). It can be done, but you've gotta keep your eyes and ears opened at all times. :-)
Monday, April 16, 2012
Ableism - Class Activity / Ageism
Today's class activity was rather enlightening. Some classmates mentioned how the activity made them think a different way about how every day tasks are accomplished, and how we often take for granted that we can do these things without giving it much thought. I thought about the class activity today, when I visited the cafeteria in the bldg. where I work. The cafeteria/snack bar is owned by an older African-American, visually-impaired man. I think it's part of a contract that various state agencies have with another agency which enforces equal employment for small business owners under the ADA. Anyway, his cash register verbally announces the total due from the customer, and he often asks which bill is which (if they are of more than one denomination). So, he doesn't mind asking for help, although the research may say that he would be reluctant to ask (as a male). But, the purpose of asking about the bills' denominations is so that he may place each one in the appropriate slots within the cash register. This makes it much easier to count the drawer at the end of the day. I learned that when working retail as a part time job for several Christmas seasons. Another thing is the way that the elevators are set up in our office bldg. The floors are identified by numbers which light up after the buttons are pushed, as well as braille right under the numbered buttons. Then, once the selected floor is reached, there's an audible announcement of the floor. This way, most people (visually- or audibly-impaired) may ride the elevator to various floors independently. :-)
Ageism? Most of the students in this class are in their early 20's, so I sometimes think about how some activities may take more thought for me to accomplish than when I was in my 20's. It's more than a notion for me to leave class, and rush off to work (on foot) twice per week. It gets done, but by the time I arrive at my job site, I'm often out of breath, and my calves ache. Yep, it's my fault for not being in better physical shape, but I'm still being able to reach my goal of working full time, and attending classes part time. So, I'm okay with it. :-) I just threw that in because "age" often has a lot to do with how individuals perceive things as well as how (or, whether) activities are accomplished.
My mother is 87 years of age, she has several canes throughout her apt. in case she needs a little help getting around. Her mind and wit are still sharp as a tack. And, she never lets us forget she's "Mama". My sisters and I take turns each week staying overnight at our mom's place (we each have assigned nights). While her health issues aren't as bad as they were when we started staying with her a few years back, she just feels more comfortable with there being someone with her at night. I didn't understand it at first, but after a while, I realized something. She went from her mother's house, to being married (having a house with my dad), to living alone after my dad passed. She's very independent, but I guess if she's never really had to live alone, it's kinda hard to do so (if it's not totally necessary) at the age of 77 when my dad died. I was very okay with doing my part and staying with her if that's what made her happy. But, it made even more sense to me after I'd understood the patterns of her living arrangements throughout her life. Something to really be considered: If you haven't gone through a certain developmental stage in your life, it's not always easy to see the big picture of what someone else is going through -- even those the closest to you. It's well worth researching (online, etc.), as well as studying the individuals in your personal circle in order to be empathetic about the feelings of others. I'm not trying to be on a soapbox here, just giving a possible heads-up to those who may not have experienced anything like this before. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities aren't always the answer, especially for senior citizens who are still in their right minds, and can care for themselves to a certain extent, or who have family/friends around to help them on a daily basis.
Ageism? Most of the students in this class are in their early 20's, so I sometimes think about how some activities may take more thought for me to accomplish than when I was in my 20's. It's more than a notion for me to leave class, and rush off to work (on foot) twice per week. It gets done, but by the time I arrive at my job site, I'm often out of breath, and my calves ache. Yep, it's my fault for not being in better physical shape, but I'm still being able to reach my goal of working full time, and attending classes part time. So, I'm okay with it. :-) I just threw that in because "age" often has a lot to do with how individuals perceive things as well as how (or, whether) activities are accomplished.
My mother is 87 years of age, she has several canes throughout her apt. in case she needs a little help getting around. Her mind and wit are still sharp as a tack. And, she never lets us forget she's "Mama". My sisters and I take turns each week staying overnight at our mom's place (we each have assigned nights). While her health issues aren't as bad as they were when we started staying with her a few years back, she just feels more comfortable with there being someone with her at night. I didn't understand it at first, but after a while, I realized something. She went from her mother's house, to being married (having a house with my dad), to living alone after my dad passed. She's very independent, but I guess if she's never really had to live alone, it's kinda hard to do so (if it's not totally necessary) at the age of 77 when my dad died. I was very okay with doing my part and staying with her if that's what made her happy. But, it made even more sense to me after I'd understood the patterns of her living arrangements throughout her life. Something to really be considered: If you haven't gone through a certain developmental stage in your life, it's not always easy to see the big picture of what someone else is going through -- even those the closest to you. It's well worth researching (online, etc.), as well as studying the individuals in your personal circle in order to be empathetic about the feelings of others. I'm not trying to be on a soapbox here, just giving a possible heads-up to those who may not have experienced anything like this before. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities aren't always the answer, especially for senior citizens who are still in their right minds, and can care for themselves to a certain extent, or who have family/friends around to help them on a daily basis.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
"Wasteland" film
The film that we saw in class today was very disturbing to me -- to see the children walking/playing/living in the filth of all the garbage which surrounded them on a daily basis. There were also animals in the midst walking in the refuge. It makes me think about all the blessings of my childhood. We weren't rich by any (financial) means, but we didn't go to bed hungry, and we weren't constantly surrounded by trash in the house nor in the neighborhood. Even the worst SES areas of Austin don't nearly compare to the living conditions of the people in the film.
A statement was made at the beginning that even the millionaires' garbage was dumped into the "wasteland" -- so, there's no segregation/classism represented there. Huh?
Toward the end of the film, Vik made a statement that he thought he'd just do the photo (art) project, then go back home. This reminded me of when I did my (class assignment) volunteer project for the Gen. Soc. Work Practice class. I thought -- Okay, I like to volunteer, and this time, I'll get a grade for it too. But, I never imagined the very rich experiences and lessons that I took away with me in the end. By helping others, I was even more helped by them! Go figure! It was great. :-)
A statement was made at the beginning that even the millionaires' garbage was dumped into the "wasteland" -- so, there's no segregation/classism represented there. Huh?
Toward the end of the film, Vik made a statement that he thought he'd just do the photo (art) project, then go back home. This reminded me of when I did my (class assignment) volunteer project for the Gen. Soc. Work Practice class. I thought -- Okay, I like to volunteer, and this time, I'll get a grade for it too. But, I never imagined the very rich experiences and lessons that I took away with me in the end. By helping others, I was even more helped by them! Go figure! It was great. :-)
Friday, April 6, 2012
U.T. Admissions
This week, Prof. G. sent an article about the admissions "mystery" at U.T. Regarding the Top 10% admissions, I have mixed emotions. While those at the top 10% of their graduating class are guaranteed admission, the remaining students' applications are based on essays, test scores, extracurricular activities, SES, and cultural background. Really? Why should SES and cultural background even be considered as part of the admissions criteria? Okay, if the committee is trying to give all students an equal playing field, but not so that it may be in some way used against them later.
This isn't totally fair because my son was in the top 10% of his graduating class at Johnston High School (now, Eastside Memorial High), yet ill-prepared for the academic expectations once he got into U.T. His grades suffered, and he ended up dropping out of college. I'm not putting all of the college prep responsibility on the high school teachers and administrators. But, he graduated from a school with an overall low morale (principals came and went), and the administration was planning to close it down due to low student performance anyway. Yes, he did graduate, and he had a solid elementary and middle school foundation. But, the adult leaders in his high school failed him, and my husband and I failed him as parents, by not transferring him to a different school in another area of town with more resources and teachers who were more interested in the overall educational process (not just in getting high TAAS scores, or whatever the standardized test was called back then). Ultimately, it was up to my son to pursue his education and set the bar for himself, but sometimes when those who are supposed to guide and protect you (i.e., parents, teachers, etc.) don't meet your expectations, you may "fall through the cracks" and give up on yourself. Sad, but true.
It was mentioned in the article about how there's more to a college graduate than GRADES & GPAs. In addition, I feel that just because a person has a degree (with or without a high GPA), doesn't mean that person can apply practical principles (common sense) to real world issues on the job. Some people only achieve "book knowledge", but can't apply it where it counts. Many times, students at schools in lower SES areas aren't necessarily encouraged to take courses, or to get involved in extracurricular (or, volunteer) activities, which may help them when applying to college. Morale, positive role models, and encouragement can go a long way with a student who may be the first in the family to go to college (or, even think about going).
This isn't totally fair because my son was in the top 10% of his graduating class at Johnston High School (now, Eastside Memorial High), yet ill-prepared for the academic expectations once he got into U.T. His grades suffered, and he ended up dropping out of college. I'm not putting all of the college prep responsibility on the high school teachers and administrators. But, he graduated from a school with an overall low morale (principals came and went), and the administration was planning to close it down due to low student performance anyway. Yes, he did graduate, and he had a solid elementary and middle school foundation. But, the adult leaders in his high school failed him, and my husband and I failed him as parents, by not transferring him to a different school in another area of town with more resources and teachers who were more interested in the overall educational process (not just in getting high TAAS scores, or whatever the standardized test was called back then). Ultimately, it was up to my son to pursue his education and set the bar for himself, but sometimes when those who are supposed to guide and protect you (i.e., parents, teachers, etc.) don't meet your expectations, you may "fall through the cracks" and give up on yourself. Sad, but true.
It was mentioned in the article about how there's more to a college graduate than GRADES & GPAs. In addition, I feel that just because a person has a degree (with or without a high GPA), doesn't mean that person can apply practical principles (common sense) to real world issues on the job. Some people only achieve "book knowledge", but can't apply it where it counts. Many times, students at schools in lower SES areas aren't necessarily encouraged to take courses, or to get involved in extracurricular (or, volunteer) activities, which may help them when applying to college. Morale, positive role models, and encouragement can go a long way with a student who may be the first in the family to go to college (or, even think about going).
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Sexual Orientation
Monday's video of the City Council meeting was very sad and touching. It was really saddening about the number of teens who'd committed suicide after their sexual orientation was publicized. We may not all agree on the choices that people make for their own lives, but no one has a right to humiliate and harrass a person to the point that suicide is the only way out. Come on now, we've all been through some form of teasing during childhood, but the line must be drawn somewhere. And, the adults who are supposed to guide and protect the youth of today need to be present more often so that less of this teasing and torture can be done. Many times, the teasing and joking comes from ignorance, and not understanding the full concept. Generalized statement: We shy away from what we don't understand, and laughing about it puts more emphasis on the misunderstood person, situation, or thing than on ourselves. Hmmm ..........
Our discussions this week remind me of personal experiences with family, friends, and co-workers who identify with the LGBTQ community. My first real experience (outside of the media) was in high school. I think it was after A.I.S.D. went back to bussing the Eastside and Westside students. There were two white lesbians in our school (that we knew about). I didn't know them personally, but would see them occasionally. I didn't understand, but I didn't tease them either.
Another encounter involved a former co-worker. She was nice, we were friends, but I didn't know that she was a lesbian until after she'd moved on to another job. She'd called the office about something, and I don't know how the subject was brought up, but she told me that she was a lesbian. I was shocked, because I thought that this was something that would always be noticeable. But, I try to get to know people on an individual basis, instead of going around looking for "signs" of the person's sexuality. I guess when I find out that a person has a different sexual identity than I'd initially thought, it's kind of like when I think that a person has a certain ethnic identity, then I'm later informed that I was wrong about that. It doesn't make me look at the person funny, but just lets me know that things (people) aren't always as they seem on the outside. And, that's OKAY.
Later on, there was another co-worker with whom I'd become friends who told me (after some time at the job) that she was a lesbian. She'd been married, and had a young daughter at the time. I didn't treat her any differently once she told me that she was a lesbian. After she'd moved on to another job, we kept in touch via e-mail, and she'd periodically bring her daughter by the office for a visit.
One more (although there are others): I have a nephew who (around family) dresses like a man, and we call him by his birth name. Occasionally, he'll wear make up around us, but I don't know whether he goes by a female name, or dresses differently around his friends. We don't treat him any differently than as the boy he was as a child (I mean, we've always addressed him as a male). Whatever his lifestyle when he's away from family, he doesn't force it on us. I'm not sure how he identifies his sexuality though. There have been several times that I've wanted to ask him to explain things to me about his life choice, but I'm generally not the in-your-face type. Maybe, one day ................
Our discussions this week remind me of personal experiences with family, friends, and co-workers who identify with the LGBTQ community. My first real experience (outside of the media) was in high school. I think it was after A.I.S.D. went back to bussing the Eastside and Westside students. There were two white lesbians in our school (that we knew about). I didn't know them personally, but would see them occasionally. I didn't understand, but I didn't tease them either.
Another encounter involved a former co-worker. She was nice, we were friends, but I didn't know that she was a lesbian until after she'd moved on to another job. She'd called the office about something, and I don't know how the subject was brought up, but she told me that she was a lesbian. I was shocked, because I thought that this was something that would always be noticeable. But, I try to get to know people on an individual basis, instead of going around looking for "signs" of the person's sexuality. I guess when I find out that a person has a different sexual identity than I'd initially thought, it's kind of like when I think that a person has a certain ethnic identity, then I'm later informed that I was wrong about that. It doesn't make me look at the person funny, but just lets me know that things (people) aren't always as they seem on the outside. And, that's OKAY.
Later on, there was another co-worker with whom I'd become friends who told me (after some time at the job) that she was a lesbian. She'd been married, and had a young daughter at the time. I didn't treat her any differently once she told me that she was a lesbian. After she'd moved on to another job, we kept in touch via e-mail, and she'd periodically bring her daughter by the office for a visit.
One more (although there are others): I have a nephew who (around family) dresses like a man, and we call him by his birth name. Occasionally, he'll wear make up around us, but I don't know whether he goes by a female name, or dresses differently around his friends. We don't treat him any differently than as the boy he was as a child (I mean, we've always addressed him as a male). Whatever his lifestyle when he's away from family, he doesn't force it on us. I'm not sure how he identifies his sexuality though. There have been several times that I've wanted to ask him to explain things to me about his life choice, but I'm generally not the in-your-face type. Maybe, one day ................
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