Gender, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation

I grew up in an area in which transgender, homosexuality and any conversation about such things were not present.  This small community has grown to have homosexuality present now, but still no transgender diversity that I am aware of.  The homosexuality that is present is not discussed very much, but seems to be accepted-basically a live and let live situation.  In this week's resources I viewed the media segments and read the book excerpts finding good strategies to help avoid sexism with the students but did not find too many resources in how to help with LGBT-ism.  Below are two questions that I chose to answer in regards to this topic.   

How you would respond to a parent/family member who informed you they did not want anyone who is perceived (or self-reported) homosexual or transgender to be caring for, educating, and/or interacting with their child:

This is something that should be stated within the enrollment into the program.  The parents need to understand from the beginning that we will not be a party to sexism or bias towards sexual orientation.  The parents need to sign the equality statement.  Then if any parent/family were to approach me about this request then I have documentation support to refer to in a kindly manner so they understand it is a policy of the program that these types of requests will not be entertained.  I feel that this particular subject is sensitive and personal to each family.  I also do not want to put any person that is homosexual or transgender in a hostile position.  So even with the enrollment form being in place with the proper wording there will still be bias and LGBT-ism present.  I feel the best approach would be to stay positive with the parents/families and after reminding them of the contract, gently remind them that this is a matter that does not to be of any concern because all staff are professionals that abide by the same rules of conduct and then refer them to the administrator if there is any further concern.  I think as staff you must remember that you cannot cave to these types of requests, but must also be sympathetic towards their concerns because most of these concerns are due to lack of knowledge and understanding of the diverse party. 

Any other related situations, thoughts, concerns, questions, and/or areas of discomfort you would like to share related to children, gender, and sexual orientation:

Homosexual and transgender bias from parents/families is a major concern due to the diversity and conflict of opinions revolving around the subject as spoken above.  Also I am concerned about what I have seen in the news about children being transgender and wanting to be treated as the opposite sex than they physically are in all ways including restroom use.  I do not care how a child comes dressed.  My concern is the restroom use.  As a parent of girls and boys I do not like the idea of them sharing a restroom with the opposite sex at the same time.  If the restroom was designed to only occupy one child at a time then no big deal.  To me if the child is physically a male then they should use the male restroom.  If the child is physically a female they should use the female restroom thus the reason for the separation.  It would be hard for me to support the parents who want their transgender child to use the restroom opposite of their physical make-up.  I understand their concerns and would sympathize.  Obviously a way to avoid a conflict such as this would be to make a restroom in each classroom that is a single occupancy and non-gender specific.