Uncovering the “B” in LG(B)TQIA+: Lived Experiences of Bisexual Music Educators

• In Event: Music Teacher Experiences and Retention

Abstract

Noticeably absent from the growing body of LGBTQIA+ literature in music education are published works centering the experiences of bisexual music educators. The absence of this topic in the literature is itself a form of bisexual erasure, a phenomenon studied in other disciplines (Barker, 2007; McInnis et al., 2022; Odenbring, 2021; Pallotta-Chiarolli, 2017). Using a phenomenological case study design informed by the work of Palkki (2015b) and Paparo and Sweet (2014), this study aimed to uncover the lived experiences of bisexual music educators. Participants reflected on their perceptions of support from students, colleagues, administrators, and the community, as well as whether or not they are “out” at school and the factors that inform this decision.

Author

• Justin M. Caithaml, University of Bridgeport