I found this paper by Tariq Modood and Craig Calhoun quite challenging to read, as a lot of the terminology was new and I really needed to pore over every section to understand the context. Even then understanding how I could relate this to my teaching practice presented another hurdle.
There was one particular section that did resonate with me though which was titled ‘Religion and dissent in Universities.’
There is a paragraph within this section on pg.20 that speaks on sexuality and gender as concerns exacerbated by religious intolerance. This is not really something I have ever considered before in my teaching career, as it’s something I haven not come across – or at least not something that has been brought to my attention.
I identify as a gay man myself, and having worked in the fashion industry there are a lot of gay people, people that identify as non-binary, trans people; and usually those who are not, most are allies, used to being surrounded by the LGBTQIA+ community and embracing of them. I now teach on a fashion design course, at one of the UK’s leading universities based in London; an incredibly diverse and multicultural city. For me when a student identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns, I understand and respect that. When a student tells me they identify as trans or are transitioning, I am elated and excited for them as well as aware of the struggles they may be going through. I don’t think twice when a student tells me they are gay, lesbian or bisexual – it’s my everyday.
After reading this I’m realising that’s not the case for everyone. In many religions, condemnation of homosexuality is prominent. Anything that may not align with a particular religions views on a traditional family or traditional values, could be seen as unsettling. As well as students that may have had a religious upbringing or continue to practice a religion that share these views, there are also students we have that are moving to London for the first time from small towns. Places and countries that aren’t as multicultural or as accepting of different sexualities and genders, places where being gay is illegal.
It’s got me thinking, although I haven’t experienced it and hope I never will, do any of my students feel uncomfortable or unsettled by my or any of my other students sexuality or gender because of their religious or personal beliefs?
If I’m honest I’m not really sure how I can integrate this into my professional practice, other than to continue to be embracing of everyone and demonstrate to my students as much as I can that it’s nice to be nice to people. To have challenging but respectful conversations when the time calls for it. To continue learning to create an empathetic and inclusive environment for everybody.