Are You Gay, Sir? A Review of the Literature Concerning the Experiences of Gay Male Educators

Abstract

This article reviews the literature available from overseas and in Aotearoa that investigates the experiences of gay and lesbian teachers in secondary schools. In doing so it explores the role that homophobia and heterosexism play in creating school environments that are often hostile to lesbian and gay teachers and students. These “forces” operate to maintain the segregation between gay and lesbian youth and gay and lesbian teachers creating a climate of fear based on myths of paedophilia, recruitment and deviancy. The damaging effects of this institutionalised homophobia on the daily lives of gay male teachers is examined. Using overseas experience as a guide, suggestions as to how to create safe schools for lesbian and gay students and teachers are explored.