GLBTIQ teachers in Australian education policy: protections, suspicions, and restrictions

Abstract

Recognition of human rights on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status by the United Nations has led to the development of new policies concerning homophobia and transphobia in educational contexts. This paper examines new Australian education policies impacting gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (GLBTIQ) teachers. A policy review uncovered a range of protections for GLBTIQ teachers in contexts such as the State of Victoria, alongside restrictions. Experiences of policy discussed in pilot study data from surveys of 63 Victorian GLBTIQ teachers, and in-depth interviews with nine Victorian GLBTIQ teachers, revealed that GLBTIQ teachers were relatively unaware of the protections available to them, compared to their awareness of protections for students. Many teachers were out as lesbian or gay to some staff members but fewer had come out to students. Teachers in religious schools had more difficulties, causing some to leave the sector. Further promotion of protections and more research are recommended.

Keywords::

• GLBTIQ
• teachers
• gender
• sexuality
• policy
• Australia

Notes

^1. The term transgender describes a broad range of non-conforming gender identities and can include people who identify as a different sex to the one assigned at birth, who may choose to undergo sex affirmation/reassignment surgery (transsexuals). Gender queer people are not transsexual, and disrupt or reject traditional gender models.

^2. The term pansexual describes people whose sexual and romantic feelings are for all genders; this rejects the gender binary of male/female and asserts more than two genders.

^3. Interview participants chose their own pseudonyms.