Non-Normative Gender and Sexual Identities in Schools: - Schools Out

1. Do you see homo/bi/transphobia as a problem in schools for a) staff
and b) student?
Prompts:
Recent research (Stonewall, 2007) has graphically highlighted the
problem of homophobia in our schools, for example that 65% of
LGB people experience bullying in Britain’s schools and 97% hear
derogatory comments relating to their sexuality, with half of
teachers failing to respond to this language when they hear it.
2. How important do you feel it is for LGBT teachers and other staff to
be out at work?
Prompts: Do you see coming out at work as a matter of
responsibility? For example to demonstrate to young people
that it is ok to be gay/bi/trans and in an attempt to help
normalise non-normative identities. Or do you see it as
irrelevant – or a personal matter?
3. What have/have you not disclosed about your own sexuality at work,
why, how and to whom?
Prompts: e.g. do you take you partner (if/when you have one)
to work events where heterosexual partners are in attendance?
Do you engage in staff room conversation in an open way or do
you omit things to avoid disclosing your sexuality?
4. Are there ever times when they feel unsafe in the classroom because of
your sexuality and if so what things make you feel safer?
5. Are there times when you do not disclose your sexual orientation for
fear of negative reactions or explicit prejudice? If so, who do you
envisage making trouble for you and why?
Prompts: Other staff members, students, parent?