I am a Social Studies teacher to seventh and eighth-grade students at a K-8 magnet-themed school for the New Haven Public School District located in New Haven, Connecticut. My school has a population of more than 700 students—many started out in our early elementary program. The majority of the students live in urban and neighborhood communities, with some suburban students from surrounding towns. My background is in instruction with the greater part of my years as a language arts teacher and work experiences in curriculum and instruction and journalism.
This unit is designed to fit in with American History lessons. It will bring people, places and events of American History that have caused ripples, waves and even major shifts throughout society and the world. Students will explore the voices and faces behind movements that changed the way that we live today. They will research and discuss events that were influenced by events and people significant to the LGBTQ community. While many of the people’s sexual orientation was unknown, their influence and impact on American events and history has more than likely been felt in some way or the other. A few of the students may be familiar with or have slight knowledge of the important people, places and events along the American history timeline. However, more than likely most students have not ever heard of the people, many of whom kept their orientation or ties to the LGBTQ community hidden.
Historical events from as early as the 6th century to the mid-1900s will be part of this unit.