This unit is designed to teach and learn about LGBTQIA+ through the lenses of legislation and lawmaking while also teaching and developing secondary language oral skills, including listening, speaking, and pronunciation. Together we'll dive into the history of LGBTQIA+ legislation, as well as legislation that has been beneficial and non-beneficial to people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
LGBTQIA+ legislation is how and what laws affect people who identify as LGBTQIA+ . Just like how laws and legislation can determine who is allowed to vote or own land, LGBTQIA+ legislation determines what rights LGBTQIA+ people are afforded by their state or government. This is crucial because peoples' rights can be at risk by laws that discriminate against them. As we'll see in our lessons, this kind of discrimination can affect peoples' lives in very negative ways.
We recognize that this topic can sometimes be a divisive and sensitive issue to talk about, especially in a classroom setting. In order to ensure a respectful learning environment, we recommend having a conversation with your students prior to the beginning of this unit about classroom behavior and expectations.
Background knowledge is key for understanding; consider beginning the unit with a brief introductory lesson about LGBTQIA+ topics which can be found in the Teacher Tool Kit tab under Additional Resources.
Some of the topics covered in this unit may be triggering for some students, especially those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We recommend announcing content warnings for activities that discuss heavy topics and consider sharing the below mental health resources to students as well.