The perceptions of Life Orientation educators’ responsiveness to diverse sexual identities

Abstract: The study deals with the perceptions of Life Orientation educator’s responsiveness to diverse sexual identities. The research focuses on Life Orientation as a core platform for HIV and sexuality education. This study is concerned with the challenges that are faced by diverse sexual identities and the educators’ experiences in teaching HIV and sexuality education to Lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender and queer in schools. The Life Orientation (LO) curriculum, educational policies are discussed to understand the role of educators in teaching diverse sexual identities about HIV prevention in schools. The Literature review deals with the importance of teaching Life Orientation (LO), the reason for teaching it and the challenges faced by Life Orientation educators in teaching diverse sexual identities in schools. It further uses constructivism theory, social learning theory to allude the perceptions of Life Orientation educators with regard to learning of diverse sexual identities. The study uses qualitative research to collect data and participants are Life Orientation Educators from different schools in the Gauteng Department of Education, Region D 14. All interviews were conducted after contact time outside of the school due to COVID-19 compliance so there was no need for permission at the schools. Themes were used in analysis of data. The study recommends and concluded that educators teaching Life Orientation do not know or understand Life Orientation curriculum since they do not teach the whole curriculum but choose certain content which suits their needs but not learners.M.Ed. (Inclusive Education