Elizabeth Schroeder, who lives in Philipstown, is a sexuality educator who specializes in LGBTQ+ “inclusive and affirming best practices.”
What prompted your interest in these issues?
In the late 1980s, I was an arts fundraiser in New York City. I saw people impacted by restrictive policies around reproductive health and HIV and decided I wanted to be with a health-related organization. I landed a job at the Planned Parenthood Federation of America as a fundraiser and one day met with members of its education department to understand what they did. It was like being hit by a thunderbolt: This is what I need to do — help young people and their families learn and talk about sexual and reproductive health in unbiased, age-appropriate and shame-free ways.
What are LGBTQ+ best practices?
Inclusive language is important. It’s just as welcoming to say, “Good morning everyone” as to say, “Good morning, boys and girls.” Instead of asking a teen, “Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?” it’s just as easy to ask: “Are you in a relationship with anyone?” It’s important to not make assumptions about a person’s gender or sexual orientation based on what they look like or whom they’re in a relationship with. Of course, the most important lesson is that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
What do you do for schools and organizations?
I review materials and provide feedback. Is this age-appropriate? Are the lessons inclusive? I train teachers and administrators to teach comfortably and respond to unexpected questions. I always ask for time with parents or caregivers to support them. I’ve written curricula, educational texts and parenting resources that can be used by schools, colleges and universities, and education and health care professionals.
What do you think of the recent political backlash against this population?
It’s as pathetic as it is harmful. While some of this is about sexual orientation — lesbian, gay, straight — the most severe backlash is about gender identity. A ton of disinformation and lies are being spread by social conservatives and policymakers. Parents of transgender youth and pediatricians are not looking to have surgeries done on young children. Parents are looking to keep their children alive [because of the high rates of suicide among gay and trans youth], and they do that by knowing how best to support them, not by telling their kids there’s something wrong with them.
You describe your career as a gift. Why is that?
It’s humbling when people allow themselves to be vulnerable enough to say, “I’m scared to talk with my child about this,” or “I’m scared to tell my parents this,” or “I just want to make sure my learners feel safe with me.” I love partnering with individuals or groups on how best to support them and the young people in their lives. Government restrictions and codified hatred are not going to keep any of us professionals from continuing to do what’s right.
