Although 'minority' sexuality
remains a topic that hardly gets a mention in school geography, it has become
an accepted part of many university geography departments and is often taught
as part of courses on Social and Cultural Geography (Collins, 2006). Ever since
the rise of attention of geographies of LGBT in the late 1970s and 1980s, more
researches have focused on the relationship between place, space and LGBT group.
For example, transsexual and third gender, so called the Kathoey locations in
Thailand are worldwide famous for their dance performances and it considers as
something must watch while visiting Thailand (Bell and Valentine, 1995).
A new contemporary tourism (pink
tourism or LGBT tourism) is emerging where travel agents and holiday locations
are providing safe yet non-discriminate service and facilities like pub and
saunas; targeting the LGBT group. Even more, the increasing legalisation of the
same sex marriage in some of the western countries had significant impact of
changing the LGBT groups migrating and travelling pattern. Although, the
marriage might not have the same legal power back in their countries.
This is a nice power point/clip for an introductory lesson into sexuality and space LGBT.
Key Locations:
- San Francisco- Gay capital
- Thailand- Transgender
- City Soho locations- London, Hong Kong, etc.
Global attitudes are changing towards
LGBT cultures, as evidenced by a school in Thailand offering to build a third gender
washroom in order to reduce uncomfortable feeling of transsexual students using
either male or female washroom (BBC, 2011).
Nowadays, with the rising
awareness of LGBT communities around the world, LGBT influences are now playing
a more important role in shaping our cultural/social urban and rural spaces (Rushbrook,
2002).
Mapping LGBT Areas:
As highlighted, there are several
countries and areas in cities and rural locations where LGBT citizens can meet,
socialise and network. Many areas are distinctly found with signs/icon, like
the image below e.g. rainbow flags, etc. Mapping using GIS and other means
allow geographers to track social/cultural movements and changes, as well as
provide information for public, private and voluntary sector organizations who
wish to promote LGBT areas. For example, tourism information centres.
You probably thinking, well why
do we need to map this kind of stuff? Well mapping can:
- Help with public sector services e.g. transport and policing
- Promote tourism
- Evidence equality and diversity
- Promote global awareness
Therefore, mapping and studying
LGBT citizens, as well as learning about sexuality and space in general broadens
individual, group and global understanding, plus allows others to engage in
other cultural activities/environments, to whom some are not familiar with.
LGBT Celebrities- You’re not alone!
The following are a few links to
get pupils/the public to see famous homosexuals out there, some you would not
even think!
Gays vote Obama
A list of LGBT Celebs
The following link will allow you
to download a pdf file, which acts as a teaching resource and lesson
plan/assessment on ‘what is sexuality’.
The below link is another pdf
file, which again acts as a lesson plan/resource, introducing sexuality and the
theory behind it.
Referencing:
- BBC News :Thai school offers transsexual toilet http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7529227.stm
- Bell, D. and Valentine G. (1995) ‘Mapping desire: geographies of sexualities’. London: Routledge.
- Collins A. (2006) ‘Cities of Pleasure: Sex and the Urban Socialscape.’ London, Routledge
- Rushbrook,D (2002) ‘Cities, Queer Space, and the Cosmopolitan Tourist.’ A Journal of Lesbian and Gay Studies 8 (1-2) 183-206
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