Queer Eye on Inclusion: Understanding Lesbian and Gay Student and Instructor Experiences of Continuing Education

Abstract

Little is known about the experiences of lesbian and gay faculty and students in continuing education. In order to address this gap, this article introduces and discusses a research project conducted to understand the struggles and accomplishments of both lesbian and gay male faculty and students in continuing education (CE) in university settings. Six CE instructors and six CE students were recruited to participate in in-depth interviews from universities across western Canada. Using grounded theory for data analysis, two broad themes emerged: (a) CE in western Canada excludes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ )content in their student and instructor orientation processes despite being placed in “progressive” institutions; and (b) safety concerns appear commonplace in such environments due to the heteronormative organizational culture of CE. Despite these drawbacks, study participants demonstrated strategies to minimize risk and find safety and support. Study findings suggest that CE review its work and learning structures to include queer-inclusive pedagogies and content.

Keywords:

• continuing higher education
• Canada
• LGBTQ
• students
• instructors

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Robert C. Mizzi

Robert C. Mizzi is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba.

Jared Star

Jared Star is a Registered Social Worker and a Critical Health Researcher.