A Reflective Cybernetic Study on the Experiences of a Gay Male Teacher in the Free State Province

ABSTRACT

Sexuality education has become a core component in advancing the ideals of social justice and inclusivity within schooling environments. Its implementation has, however, been met with resistance as its sensitive nature often leads to conflicting messages, especially in relation to the myriad cultures and ambiguity thereof when placed against the contrasting values characteristic of multicultural South Africa. This article speaks to my experiences as a gay male teacher within the context of teaching at primary and secondary schools in the Free State province. I draw on the challenges and barriers I experienced, especially as a new teacher, and reflect critically on how this influenced my growth as an educator in the following years. Primarily, my approach and pedagogy were positioned within silence and uncritical reflection as to how my teachings can align with the ideals of social justice and inclusivity. Framed through a cybernetic perspective, I investigate how my pedagogy has adapted and transformed toward a less reactive approach and in turn aligned more actively with these ideals. This study is a self-reflective narrative that accounts for my experiences within different systems and how my presence influenced the systemic dynamics of the schools in which I taught.

KEYWORDS:

• Sexuality education
• cybernetics
• systems
• reflective practice
• teaching
• sexuality
• cybernetics
• reflection

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.