Where Existence Is Rebellion: The Confluence of Religion and Policy in Utah

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 9:50 am Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Queer Perspectives on Educational Policy and Leadership (Table 4)

Abstract

This presentation links the attacks on drag and the LGBTQ+ community to the recent legislative decisions that harm LGBTQ+ and BIPOC students and employees in Utah’s higher education institutions. The authors utilize a theoretical framework of new social movement theory, religiosity, and White Niceness in order to uncover the connection between the decisions made at the state, local, and institutional levels with the dominance of White LDS culture in the state. In Utah, where there is a marked difference between White LDS people and everyone else, to exist outside this cultural bubble is viewed as rebellion. We will also discuss how teachers and teacher educators can work within the community for continued activism to support drag, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC individuals.

Authors

• Brianne Kramer, Southern Utah University

• John Meisner, Southern Utah University

• Danielle Sheather, Southern Utah University

• Nichole Wangsgard, Southern Utah University