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

Name Gender Age Sexual
Age left
Age
Age came
Out to friends (f);
Orientation
school
came
out to
family (fa);
out to
others
work/school (w)
self
Becky Female 16 Lesbian 15 10 14 f
Carol Female 20 Lesbian 16 16 16 f
Daniel Male 21 Straight 16 n/a n/a n/a
Helen Female 16 Lesbian 16 10 10,12,15 f,fa,w
Matt Male 19 Gay 16 Not sure 13/14 f,fa,w
Nicola Female 17 Lesbian 15 13 15 f,fa,w
Sarah Female 19 Lesbian 15 12 16,18 f,fa,w
Tanya Female 15 Lesbian n/a 12 14 f,fa,w
Ushihu Male 19 Bisexual 16 16 17 f,fa,w
Von Female 18 Lesbian 16 11 16,17 f,fa,w
Wolfy Female 15 Lesbian n/a 13 n/a some f
Figure 2.
The success of the group depended somewhat on its dynamics, and some members were
more vocal than others. I tried to alleviate this potential problem by observing carefully
all participants’ reactions to questions and discussion and bringing less vocal members
into conversations when it seemed they wanted to say something. I also tried to remain
aware if/when the discussion might be becoming difficult for participants and guided the
conversation to lessen these pressures. The venue (LGYM’s base) was also important
because this helped facilitate the comfort of the participants (Morgan, 1997). There were