Homophobic teachers - how to defend ourselves?

Why argue with a brick wall? There is very little to be gained by arguing with her about it. No matter what her intentions. It probably isn't necessary to discuss it in class. Given you are college age, I might be wrong there.
I would personally ignore her. Some schools in the US have comment cards given to the students at the end of the semester/year. These cards are used as feedback for the teacher/school. You might anonymously drop in a note that says that you don't appreciate her anti-gay agenda as it doesn't pertain to the subject being studied..

 

I know how that feels... our principal went to France once on a school trip, with some students, and while she was there, she actually went to an anti-LGBT meeting and stuff, AND included it in a PowerPoint presentation she made about the trip, telling us what a learning experience that was for her. This was in front of the WHOLE school, 6th grade upwards. You have no idea how badly I wanted to run up and throw her off the stage :/

But the thing is that arguing with people like teachers gets you nowhere. At all. I learned this the hard way. Not talking about LGBT rights, that's far too scandalous but other things in general, social movements and things. Very few teachers actually take what you'll say into consideration. If they do, then they're very good teachers, but many won't. And they'll think you're just being cheeky and trying to contradict them. It doesn't get you anywhere and it won't change their opinions unless they are truly open minded (in which case they would be unlikely to have this kind of an opinion in the first place)

When you're in school try not to get on the bad side of teachers. They can make life hell for you if they're anything like mine were. I know how much you want to speak out, but in this situation, it's best kept to yourself.

 

I agree with opheliac, I'm more of the type to never shut up when I have an opinion or notice that a teacher is making comments that might be offensive for someone but you really get into a lot of problems when you do that.
I'm pretty sure senior is the last year (I don't know over here we have it on numbers) so if it is its almost the end of the year and you won't have to deal with her, maybe you could report her anonymously, when I was in grade school someone did that

 

Is it a religious school?

If no, Teachers have a duty of care towards their student's welfare. I see it as indirect harassment and/or bullying. They should be keeping those opinions and beliefs to themselves. As Hyaline said, perhaps an anonymous comment or complaint might be the way to go.

If yes (religious school), it's wrong, but unfortunately they have been given power to "legally" discriminate. Unfortunately the only way to get around it (I think) would be to get your education elsewhere.

 

Is the brick wall thing a Pink Floyd reference?

 

no, but cleverly I guess you could yell out "hey teacher!.....leave them kids alone"...

 

That's unfortunate. Apart from one case of my immunology professor being subtly anti-gay, my other professors have actually been pro-gay. It's odd because those professors taught humanities and communications. You'd think that a science professor would be on the pro-gay wagon too...

I agree with Hyaline about giving anonymous feedback to professors if that option is available. It doesn't hurt to get your voice out there. And the feedback will help the professor, and by extension help your peers who end up with him/her.

 

Work hard be the best in your class... Showing up homophobic people should be a national past time...