I have heard homophobic terms used as an insult by a child toward another child. When I taught second grade there was a young boy that I believe had homophobic tendencies. He was very feminine and would write about boys that he thought was cute. He would write in his journal certain things and there were certain incidences that occurred. One day while in the schoolyard, he had chased a boy around in order to kiss him. The other young boy, who was also in my class was horrified, embarrassed, and afraid. He didn't want student A to keep bothering him. Student B knew Student A liked him but he didn't like him back. Student B was afraid that he would be teased about the kiss. This was SECOND grade. I stressed to the class that we respect people's personal space and we are not to touch anyone. Also, I met with Student A's father and told him what had occurred and about the other boy feeling uncomfortable because his son was "bothering" him. This was a single dad going through a terrible divorce and was at a loss. I also brought it to administration's attention because I didn't want an incident to occur in the bathrooms while at lunch or if I was absent. The class did tease Student A and called him a "fag". I talked about words that hurt and that we treat everyone with respect. That behavior would not be tolerated at all. I dealt with urban kids who were very street smart and I talked to them about the consequences of their behavior. I also touched upon gender issues with that class. I love to teach using William's Doll by Charlotte Zolotow.
I have to admit that this topic about homophobia and dealing with it in the classroom with very young children makes me very uncomfortable. I have a 2 1/2 year old who attends nursery school. I have to admit I don't want her exposed to these things so young. I don't think how people choose to have sex should be anyone's business. I would feel very uncomfortable not knowing how the classroom teacher would approach this topic. I wouldn't want my daughter exposed to these things so early. Does that make me a homophobe? I don't think so. Maybe I am wrong.
