Gender and Sexuality Diversity in a Culture of Limitation: Student and Teacher Experiences in Schools

• In Event: Schools Working to Support Gender and Sexual Diversities

Abstract

This paper begins from the premise that contemporary education is impacted by a range of political, social and cultural influences that inform the approaches taken by schools in relation to gender and sexuality diversity, which we call a culture of limitation. Using this theoretical devise as a lens through which to examine policy and research, we explore the ongoing impact of broader socio-cultural discourse on the lives of gender and sexuality diverse (GSD) students/teachers, beginning with the Australian context and looking internationally to the United States and the United Kingdom. We argue that, despite some empowerment of GSD individuals, silencing and marginalisation remain powerful forces, structuring the limits of possibility for educators and impacting wellbeing outcomes for school community members.

Authors

• Tania Ferfolja, University of Western Sydney

• Jacqueline Ullman, Western Sydney University, Sydney (Australia)