Dismissed! Avoidance of Students’ Spiritual and LGBT Identities in Public Schools

Abstract

Negotiation of identity development in adolescence has implications that affect overall well-being. Spirituality and sexuality are two salient aspects of identity that are challenging for adolescents, especially those who identify as LGBT. -Analysis of intersecting themes across two research inquiries indicated that school counselors and students avoided talking with each other about these -aspects of identity. Results suggested that avoidance was related to fear of perceived -repercussions, public school settings, and concern about value conflicts.

Key words:

• diversity
• junior high/middle school education
• LGBTQ
• school psychology/student counseling
• secondary education