School Involvement and Participation by Gay and Lesbian Parented Families

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Paper Session: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, & Queer Studies Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

This study examines the experiences of gay and lesbian parents in terms of their involvement with their children’s schools. Given the importance of parental involvement in children’s academic success, this study examines the impact of factors such as homophobia at the schools and a parent’s ‘outness’ as it might relate to school involvement. Participants were 60 parents who completed an online survey. Findings suggest that parents were more ‘out’ when schools were perceived to have low levels of homophobia. Results indicate a relationship between parental involvement and perceptions of homophobia and parental ‘outness’. Study findings are discussed as they relate to Social Contact Theory.

Author

• Brian L. Heisterkamp, California State U - San Bernardino