Muddied Boundary Waters: Examining Tensions of a Gay Novice Teacher's Attempts to Support a Transgender Student

• In Event: Different Perspectives on Induction: The Teacher, the Program, and the National Context

Abstract

Drawing from theoretical tent-poles from queer theory, teacher discourses, and systems of first-year teaching, this paper examines research from a larger two-year study of first-year E/LA teachers whom identify as gay. Through a narrative inquiry, specifically focusing on critical incidents, this work sought to identify themes related to Anthony, a gay, cisgender, first-year teacher and his stories of Steven, a transgender male student. While findings show Anthony initially wanted to act as a mentor-ally to Steven, to break down barriers often faced by transgender teens, a series of events caused Anthony to question to what extent and/or in what ways he should play a role in Steven’s educational life. Eventually, this led to Anthony’s worries over his own safety

Author

• Summer Davis, Western Michigan University