B2 – Upper Intermediate
The right to education and worship are basic human rights. Schools should promote equality, diversity, and inclusion. In some countries and educational institutions, not all sexual diversities are welcomed.
Let’s read the article and find out more about this transgender school in Indonesia.
https://www.voanews.com/a/indonesia-transgender-islamic-school/4033393.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “reverberate” mean? “The school’s closure was one of the darkest points in a larger anti-LGBT hysteria that seized Indonesia in 2016, with its effects still reverberating.” Use it in your own sentence.
- What does “hiccup” mean in this context? “ But for Ibu Shinta, the 2016 episode was only a hiccup in the history of Pesantren al-Fatah, which turns nine years old on Thursday.” Use it in your own sentence.
- What does “fluctuate” mean in this sentence, “She said there are about 42 members in total, but the weekly attendance fluctuates between seven and 25.”? Use it in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions
- What is your opinion on this transgender school?
- Aside from religious studies, what other activities does the school offer to its students?
- Do you have schools for special groups of people in your country? What are they?
- How does the school system in your country promote diversity and inclusivity?
2 replies on “Transgender Islamic School”
1. Generally it is thought that LGTBQ people are out of the religious spheres but this story is a good example of the diversity that exists beyond our stereotypes. Transgender people also need to develop their spiritual side. So I hold the view that the religions should update to embrace the new ways of living.
2. This place is not reduced to religious studies, it is also a community hub for Yogyakarta waria. It is a place in which they gather to watch movies, cook and eat together and swap gossip on each other’s clients.
3. As far as I’m concerned we don’t have special schools for LGTBQ people. Maybe because the education is supposed to be regulated by the state so all the kids learn the same contents. But what I know that exist associations and organizations who fight against homofobia and who push rights and laws to get more protected.
4. I know there are some specials programs to promote diversity and inclusion in the school systems. They try to change the public opinion so it can be more friendly and open to the differences. In my eyes this is very positive because it brings more freedom to everybody giving the option to break the traditional gender roles.
Welcome to the Phoneenglish blog! Pleased to see you strive in improving your writing skills.
Take a look at this sentence and see how it can be improved:
Cheers to more entries from you!