Teaching Suggestions
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The following are specific suggestions for addressing LGBT issues in the classroom based on the ACEJMC assessment areas but applicable to all journalism instruction:

Law
Understand and apply the principles and laws of freedom of speech and press, including the right to dissent, to monitor and criticize power, and to assemble and petition for redress of grievances.

• Hate Speech
  • What is it?
  • How does it differ from offensive speech?
  • Why is godhatesfags.com a sanctioned domain name?

History
Demonstrate an understanding of the history and role of professionals and institutions in shaping communications.

• The history of absence, silence and marginality of LGBT voices.
• The history of how LGBT rights issues emerged in the media.
• History of LGBT professional and media advocacy groups, i.e., NLGJA, GLAAD.
• How media has influenced/shaped public opinion.

Diversity
Demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of groups in a global society in relationship to communications.

• LGBT people are part of every city and town.
• News outlets must serve diverse audiences.
• The “gay community ” is not a monolith.
• Diversity exists within LGBT communities:
  • Political
  • Racial
  • Gender
  • Age
• LGBT Organizations :
  • National
  • Local
  • LGBT Media
• Print
• Television
• Radio
• Internet

Visual Literacy
Understand concepts and apply theories in the use and presentation of images and information.

• How is/should LGBT individuals be visually represented?
• Do you hide faces?
• How do you depict a Gay Pride parade?
• How are lesbians visually stereotyped? Gay men? Transgender individuals? Bisexuals?

Ethics
Demonstrate an understanding of professional ethical principles and work ethically in pursuit of truth, accuracy, fairness and diversity.

• Can LGBT journalists cover LGBT issues?
  • Marriage?
  • Pride Parades?
• What is “outing?” When is it justified?

Critical Thinking
Think critically, creatively and independently.

• Describe and analyze the debate over low-cost generic AIDS drugs vs. patent protection in developing countries.
• Evaluate Web sites for American Family Association and PFLAG.
• Describe and analyze “reparative therapy” for LGBT people.

Research
Conduct research and evaluate information by methods appropriate to the communications professions in which they work.

• Suggested project: An in-depth report on HIV-AIDS.
  • What’s the infection rate in your community?
  • How do you get tested? Where do you go? What happens? What does it cost?
  • If you need treatment, What is it? Where do you go? What kind of doctor? What kinds of drugs? Does your insurance cover the costs?
  • If you are writing about someone who is HIV+, how do you deal with privacy issues?
  • Can you interview someone under treatment?
  • How are family members affected?
  • Are there stories about students, faculty and/or members of the university community that could and should be told?
  • How is HIV transmitted? What is vertical transmission?
  • What is pediatric AIDS?
• How are issues different in Africa or other parts of the world?

Note: AIDS is a complex story and can be approached from a variety of perspectives including medical, political, economic and cultural.

Writing
Write correctly and clearly in forms and styles appropriate for the communications professions, audiences and purposes they serve.

• Suggested exercise. See GLAAD, NLGJA and AP stylebooks on correct word usage.
  • Homosexual or gay or queer?
  • Lesbian or gay woman?
  • Marriage or gay marriage?
  • Transgender or transsexual or cross dresser?

Numeracy
Apply basic numerical and statistical concepts.

• Calculate some basic demographic information about your community, including:
  • Percentage of Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, other ethnic groups.
  • Percentage of LGBT students on the campus.
  • Percentage of LGBT individuals in the population in general.

Editing
Critically evaluate their your work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style and grammatical correctness.

• Suggested exercises:
  • Select a topic such as marriage rights for same sex couples. Circulate one article from the American Family Association website and another from GLAAD. Have students read, edit and discuss for factual accuracy and fairness.
  • October is Coming Out Month. Record local coverage of events in your community. Screen and evaluate reports being especially aware of visual representations.

Special thanks to Meg Moritz, UNESCO Chair, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Colorado.