Chapter 9: Developing A Sexual Identity Orientation
"Sexual orientation is an ongoing negotiation between internal and external forces in one's life," (Nakkula 195). Throughout the semester we have looked at many different identities and struggles that an adolescent goes through, however, I think that sexual identity is often the one we forget to talk about with our students. Nakkula talks about how, as educators, it is important for us to understand and be aware of the multiple themes and scripts that come with the study of sexual identity.
Starting with scripting theory, there are 3 different levels of experience: intrapsychic, interpersonal and cultural. As educators, we need to not be able 'name' the scripts but have a general understanding of them and a knowledge of where the scripts are being developed. For example, are they being developed through friends, religion, family, media etc. Knowing the roots is important so that we are making informed decisions in how we communicate with our students.
People go through various stages and statuses of sexual identity, with a few being: a growing awareness of one's sexual proclivities, experimentation with sexual expression in various contexts, and an initial lack of in-depth consideration of one's sexuality. While adolescents navigate through these stages it is imperative to remember that each person progresses at different times and in different ways. The key for teachers is to "comprehend and engage with the ways in which students are making meaning of their sexual identities and, ideally, to help them cultivate contexts within and outside of school,"(Nakkula 197). I want to end this by saying that like Ayers & Nakkula have expressed, in order for us to be able to even begin having these conversations with our students, we need to first make sure that we are creating an environment where students feel safe to express themselves. This chapter reminded me of a reading I have done in the past called "Inside the Classroom Walls" by Dr. August, where she talks about creating a safe space for LGBTQ students within the building. This also references back to how I believe students learn, and being in safe caring environment is a top priority.
Starting with scripting theory, there are 3 different levels of experience: intrapsychic, interpersonal and cultural. As educators, we need to not be able 'name' the scripts but have a general understanding of them and a knowledge of where the scripts are being developed. For example, are they being developed through friends, religion, family, media etc. Knowing the roots is important so that we are making informed decisions in how we communicate with our students.
People go through various stages and statuses of sexual identity, with a few being: a growing awareness of one's sexual proclivities, experimentation with sexual expression in various contexts, and an initial lack of in-depth consideration of one's sexuality. While adolescents navigate through these stages it is imperative to remember that each person progresses at different times and in different ways. The key for teachers is to "comprehend and engage with the ways in which students are making meaning of their sexual identities and, ideally, to help them cultivate contexts within and outside of school,"(Nakkula 197). I want to end this by saying that like Ayers & Nakkula have expressed, in order for us to be able to even begin having these conversations with our students, we need to first make sure that we are creating an environment where students feel safe to express themselves. This chapter reminded me of a reading I have done in the past called "Inside the Classroom Walls" by Dr. August, where she talks about creating a safe space for LGBTQ students within the building. This also references back to how I believe students learn, and being in safe caring environment is a top priority.
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