Fearing the Queering: Educators Perspectives of Teaching LGBTQ2+ Children's Literature and Young Adult Novels

• In Event: Educational Leadership and the Responsibility for Inclusion

Abstract

We share findings from a study with teachers about their perspectives of LGBTQ2+ Children's Literature and Young Adult Novels (LGBTQ2+ CL & YAN). We want to know if, why, and how they would teach these books in their classrooms. Fear is the overarching theme: fear of pushback and fear of a lack of school and district level support. Teachers who believe the benefits of teaching these books, only feel safe doing so if they have administrative level support if anyone questions why these books are taught. This presentation details the theme of fear and provides suggestions for school and district level administration to assuage teachers’ fears and provide support for teaching LGBTQ2+ Children's Literature and Young Adult Novels.

Authors

• Michael Bartone, Central Connecticut State University

• Catherine Kurkjian, Central Connecticut State University