Erin Bozek

MUS 3400

Dr. Larson

6 February 2017

SPIT #2 Creating a Safe Classroom for LGBTQ Students

Berman, Andrew S. LGBTQ friendly music program. Teaching Music 24(3), 34-39.

In his article, LGBTQ-Friendly Music Program, Andrew Berman discusses a new

challenge that teachers face with being open and transparent in their classrooms. With society

becoming more open and accepting of the LGBTQ community, teachers are working on doing

more to ensure that all of their students feel safe and comfortable within their classrooms.

Berman encourages music teachers, in particular, to create an open and safe space for their

LGBTQ students because in many cases, the band director or music teacher is one of the most

consistent adults whom the students feel comfortable to talking to. Berman also adds tips for

ways teachers can show that their room is a safe space, such as highlighting LGBTQ composers,

starting or being involved in the schools Gay-Straight Alliance, and using correct pronouns in

the classroom. Also, ensuring that all students understand the idea of a safe space and having a

zero-tolerance policy for any type of bullying or discrimination will aide in the process. The

importance of the band room or music room being a safe space is crucial to the well-being and

success of all students.

The importance of an open and safe space within the band room was a significant part of

my high school career. As I was going through the coming out process, the band room was my

safe haven. My band directors were some of the first adults I came out to, and they were able to

both support me and direct me to other adults who could also help me through the process.
Because I felt safe and accepted in music, I found courage to be open in other parts of my life.

The band room was the first place I was comfortable enough to be who I am, and the safety and

openness of the space and people truly changed the course of my life.

As a future educator, I feel that it is my responsibility to make sure that all students who

come through my room feel comfortable and safe to be themselves, regardless of which aspect of

their life that applies to. As a gay person, I feel that I am very sensitive to the feelings of those

who are also coming to terms with their sexual orientation or gender identity. One of my

educational goals is to create a safe space for all of my students. I want to make them feel safe

and to have them know that they will be respected and accepted in my classroom.

Bermans article is clear and very well articulated. He stresses the importance of the topic

through his own observations and through possible techniques and tips for creating a safe

classroom. Bermans thoughts on the up-and-coming nature of this issue are spot-on, and he

effectively brings positivity to a topic that some may be apprehensive about approaching. While

this is an issue that will hopefully become a non-issue over the course of time, Berman gives

great ways to help make todays classrooms more open and much safer.