Homophobia, Sexism, and Early Childhood Education: A Review of the Literature

“Raised Eyebrows”: Working with Lesbian‐Parented Families — Experiences of Childcare Centre Directors in Australia

“…Reports by lesbian mothers also indicated that their families were not adequately catered for in childcare centres (Skattebol and Ferfolja, ). Finally, Duke and McCarthy () highlighted the absence of empirical evidence on the inclusion of LGBT experiences in EC settings based on a critical qualitative paradigm. This study was located within the social justice and equality agenda by way of addressing the knowledge gap identified by Duke and McCarthy () in their review spanning over two decades.…”

“…Finally, Duke and McCarthy () highlighted the absence of empirical evidence on the inclusion of LGBT experiences in EC settings based on a critical qualitative paradigm. This study was located within the social justice and equality agenda by way of addressing the knowledge gap identified by Duke and McCarthy () in their review spanning over two decades. Combination of LGBT identities as one group can also diminish discussions of experiences related specifically to lesbians and, this study explored two key research questions: How do centres work with children from lesbian‐parented families in the development of EC programs and policies? How do centres support educators to cater for children with lesbian parents? …”

Gay and Lesbian Families in the Early Childhood Classroom: Evaluation of an Online Professional Development Course

“…While accurate data are not available, these families hope for their children to find inclusion in early childhood centers, but have reported that they have remained silent, not revealing their same-sex status, out of fear their children would experience discrimination from other children or from the staff (Souto-Manning & Hermann-Wilmarth, 2008). Early childhood educators, in turn, have expressed discomfort in introducing this topic in the classroom because of religious, moral, and/or cultural beliefs about same-sex relationships (Duke & McCarthy, 2009). Some have reported feeling that early childhood is too young an age for this topic or that it is the responsibility of the family, not the school.…”

“…Furthermore, Robinson (2002) found teachers believing a "myth that issues affecting the lives of sexual minorities have no bearing or relevance to the lives of heterosexuals" (p. 429). Duke and McCarthy (2009) reviewed multiple databases for studies related to gender and sexuality in early childhood educational settings. Overall, they concluded that only three studies critically examined how teachers could construct "equitable partnerships with LGBT parents in ECE school settings characterized by homophobia, heterosexism and sexism" (p. 400).…”

“…Anti-bias curriculum guides encourage educators to discuss and introduce children as early as possible to diversity, including family diversity, as one means of stemming prejudice, yet many educators have reported feeling discomfort in welcoming families headed by gays or lesbians (Souto-Manning & Hermann-Wilmarth, 2008). This topic is rarely addressed in teacher training programs, professional development courses, or early childhood curriculum guides (Duke & McCarthy, 2009;Souto-Manning & Hermann-Wilmarth, 2008).…”