I believe that one should not make a point to include or exclude, but keep it natural, with regards to a particular genre of books. It is important to find a wide range of literature for children and when questions arise with relation to content, it is important to reply as unbiased as possible without discussing one's own values. Therefore, age appropriate literature is necessary regardless of different topics discussed in the books, otherwise it is classified as censorship; subjecting children to one's own values and imposing them on others. Books for children should include a wide range of genre, culture, and by authors from all over the world.
If a parent informs an educator about their concerns with a teacher who is perceive or self-reported as homosexual or transgendered, it is vital to put one's stand on what is valued and good care for children, which does not include sexuality but includes the qualities of being a caring educator, instilling good learning habits to children, etc. However, if they have an issue about sexual orientation of a teacher, they must discuss it with a school administrator because of legal repercussions. As a fellow educator, however, it is important to reassure the parent that the school hires the best educators regardless of sexual preferences and that teachers in the school do not impose their sexual orientation on children and that it remains private to the individual teacher as they do not flaunt their sexual preference.
A teacher should be able to convey knowledge, teach skills, challenge and inspire children, which should be a standard for all teachers regardless of sexual preference. Unfortunately, teachers who may be homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered are "often judged by different standards than those that apply to other teachers" (DeMitchell, Eckes, & Fossey, 2010).
Resources
DeMitchell, T., Eckes, S., & Fossey, R. (2010).
Sexual orientation and the public school teacher. Boston University, 19(65).
Retrieved from http://www.bu.edu/law/central/jd/organizations/journals/pilj/vol19no1/documents/19-1DeMitchellEckesandFosseyArticle.pdf
