User:Jonverd09/sandbox

Wikipedia Project – Step 2

This week, your task is to pinpoint your project topic and begin to evaluate the existing content on the topic or related to the topic. This does not need to be long. This assignment is intended to guide you through your studying of what is there and how you want to add.

(1)        Very clearly tell me the topic you have chosen below. It is best if you have narrowed it down to a short phrase at most. This should reflect the subject heading and/or subheadings you will write on within Wikipedia.


 * The topic that I have chosen for the Wikipedia project is “lgbt experiences in k-12 schools” specifically on being in the closet and coming out during this time.

(2)        Regarding your chosen topic, what is your impression of the content currently available on Wikipedia? Why do you feel that you need to contribute this content? Are you creating a new page, fixing a pre-existing page, or adding to a pre-existing page, or something else?


 * In regard to this topic there are some outlets of information already on Wikipedia. I am actually quite impressed with the amount of information already on Wikipedia about some experiences within the lgbt community in schools. However, it seems to only on focus on those experiences related to social movements and the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) organization. Now, all of this information is important and valuable, but I am interested in the experiences of closeted students in schools and the process of coming out (and the differences each individual may have when coming out). I would like to add to the Wikipedia page to show light on these experiences and why they are just as important as when an individual is already out.

(3)        Describe the current state of the content on Wikipedia. Link me to what is there so I can see as well. If there is nothing available, what keywords and phrases have you tried? Even if there is nothing, give me a sense of what a person might be able to learn about something close to what is available. This will give you a sense of how hard people have to try to find information about that topic.


 * As mentioned in the previous response, I believe there is good information on Wikipedia about the experiences of lgbt students and how schools are incorporating lgbt history in classes, as well as sex education not only for straight students but lgbt students as well. Here are links to some of the Wikipedia pages I searched: LGBT student movement, Education and the LGBT community, LGBT sex education, and Gay-straight alliance.

(4)        What needs to be done to create change for this topic? If you are creating something brand new, what sections do you envision it having? Please keep this reasonable because of our short and accelerated time frame. And remember that you won’t know and be able to share EVERYTHING in this short time, but a good solid start is still important.


 * I believe what needs to happen for there to be change with this topic is talking about it. Open dialogue can go a long way with youth who are battling with themselves over being a student who identifies within the lgbt community. Having been in this position myself, I know how hard it is for youth to accept and be comfortable with who they are. Schools oftentimes do not do enough for lgbt students and that can cause a dangerous environment for students to come out. I want to shine a light on this experience and normalize it so students who are going through this feel heard and have the resources available to overcome this milestone in their life.