Queer Kids/Straight Schools: Research and Teaching for Change

Panel Title: Queer Kids/Straight Schools: Research and Teaching for Change, American Education Studies Association (AESA), Pittsburgh, PA: 2009

Abstract: Though many LGBTQ youth experience schools as heterosexist and homophobic institutions where all are presumed to be heterosexual, expected to conform to rigid gender role stereotypes, and punished for doing otherwise (Macgillivray, 2000; Blackburn, 2004), schools are also sites of resistance where students and teachers confront the heteronormativity of policies, procedures and curricula in inspiring and creative ways. This panel explores a series of exploratory research and teaching efforts aimed at gaining greater awareness of the LGBTQ student experience, teacher’s perceptions of their roles and responsibility towards LGBTQ students, understanding school district administrator’s non- responsiveness to student needs, and providing opportunities for dialogue around all forms of marginalization in schools.