50 Shades of Gay: Past, Present, and Future of Research on the Spectrum of Sexuality and Education

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

This symposium explores past, present and future directions of research on the intersection of the sexuality spectrum and education. A large-scale quantitative study of queer educators assesses school climates across the nation, concluding that homophobia is pervasive. Next, a qualitative study explores the impact of a queer-focused high school curriculum on students. Third, a self-study illustrates the dangers of assimilation and instead suggests pushing the boundaries of what constitutes relationships, love, and family opens up new avenues for everyone, not just queer people. The concluding paper posits a reconception of Lev's identity model which blurs the divisive line between gay and straight, dismantles the notion of mutually exclusive binaries, and moves towards a greater understanding of human diversity.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Queer Studies

Chairs

• Alan D. Amtzis, The College of New Jersey

• Janna Jackson Kellinger, University of Massachusetts - Boston

Papers

• A Safer Place? LGBT Educators, School Climate, and Implications for Administrators - Tiffany Wright, Millersville University of Pennsylvania; Nancy J. Smith, Millersville University of Pennsylvania

• "Everyone Needs a Class Like This": High School Students' Perspectives on a Gay and Lesbian Literature Class - Kirsten Helmer, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Teaching Transgressive Representations of LGBTQ People - Todd Jennings, California State University - San Bernardino

• Queering Constructs: Proposing a Dynamic Gender and Sexuality Model - T.J. Jourian, Loyola University Chicago

Discussants

• Therese M. Quinn, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Kristen A. Renn, Michigan State University