Using Queer Young Adult Fiction in Higher Education Courses

• In Event: Bridging the Rainbow Gap: Exploring Tensions and Possibilities in Queer Studies in K–12 and Higher Education

Abstract

In this paper, the authors will describe the utility of queer and trans young adult fiction within the college classroom. The authors, one studying secondary education contexts and the other studying higher education contexts, will engage in a scholarly conversation on how they each have used young adult fiction, both in teacher education and in higher education and student affairs graduate preparation. Bridging the gap between K-12 and higher education and between undergraduate and graduate classrooms, the authors will focus on the ways that they have used young adult fiction to help prepare students to work with queer and trans students in their future roles as teachers or student affairs professionals. The paper will end with future (re)imaginings of how queer and trans young adult fiction can be used across different educational contexts within the classroom. Suggestions for pedagogical approaches and specific texts focused on queer and trans youth will be included.

Authors

• Summer Pennell, The University of Vermont
  Presenting Author

• Cindy Ann Kilgo, Indiana University
  Presenting Author