- Áine Humble, Department of Aging and Family Science, Mount Saint Vincent University
Abstract
This article explains why a full course on LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus) families is needed for family science curriculum instead of incorporating small amounts of LGBTQ+ family content into preexisting courses. It also describes the development of a feminist-informed online, hybrid undergraduate course focusing on LGBTQ+ families, which was reviewed by members of the queer community during development and at completion. Most of the required reading consisted of three books providing first-hand accounts of LGBTQ+ family experiences, whereas class content focused on scholarly work. Many classes also involved prerecorded interviews with LGBTQ+ individuals and practitioners working with LGBTQ+ families. A reflective exercise related to the assigned books and a final learnings paper connected to the scholarly work are briefly described. Two appendices are provided: the first provides more information about the course assignments, and the second is a rubric for the final learnings paper.
