Brave Spaces: Action Research With Queer Educators in Religious Schools

• In Event: 34.061 - Participatory Action Research: Creating More Democratic, Participatory Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Creating brave spaces for queer educators in religious schools is a harrowing endeavor.This paper recounts how such a project has been undertaken through PAR. It was catalyzed by two research studies on LGBTQIA+ experiences in Catholic schooling. From these, a community formed called Queer Educators in Religious Schools (QuEIRS). It purpose was to create safe spaces. This activist-community engages in the PAR cycle: problem posing, action, analysis, and renewed action. This project has produced archives of queer interpretations on religious beliefs, a national survey of LGBQTIA+ teachers, and a growing anthology of narratives. At first the community asked “Why do we stay in these institutions?” Now they answers the question: “What can we do from within these locations?”

Authors

• Kevin James Stockbridge, North Dakota State University

• Jane Bleasdale, University of San Francisco