FOCUS ON THE LESS EXPOSED: A VIRTUAL PHOTOVOICE STUDY WITH LGBTQ+ EDUCATORS

This exploratory multimethod photovoice study examined increasing feelings of inclusion for U.S. LGBTQ+ educators by fostering critical dialogue around participants’ artwork as a catalyst to advance social justice. A literature review revealed that despite a sociocultural shift in public perception of rights affecting U.S. LGBTQ+ individuals and some changes in governmental policies and laws, there has not yet been a resulting shift in the K-12 pedagogical paradigm. Within the classroom, LGBTQ+ individuals and students growing up in LGBTQ+ households are frequently and actively silenced and, therefore, marginalized and stigmatized while LGBTQ+ topics and curricula are intentionally avoided. This lack of LGBTQ+ representation highlights potentially damaging implications for the microsystem of students, parents, and educators. A qualitative needs assessment with 10 participants highlighted the necessity for Freirean critical dialogue regarding LGBTQ+ topics and curricula in U.S. schools and informed the design of a photovoice intervention embedded in participatory action research and rooted in Freire’s (1970/2017) educational approach. Four LGBTQ+ educators photographically documented their lived experiences and participated virtually in a focus group and pre- and post-focus group interviews. The participants engaged in critical dialogue surrounding their shared photographs, which heightened participants’ perceived sense of inclusion. Four themes emerged from the photovoice participants’ data: (a) resiliency in the face of adversity, (b) the role of self-identity and its development, (c) empowerment as a means of change, and (d) evolution of public perception. Participants’ photographs and narratives were displayed for 3 months in a virtual 3D exhibit, and 102 exhibit viewers completed a quantitative and qualitative survey on their perspectives of the photovoice exhibit and LGBTQ+ individuals’ experiences and challenges. In addition to providing a template for future virtual photovoice exhibits, this research models ways to promote critical dialogue across educators, students, families, and schools; create formative change to inclusivity in school climates, as well as to individual stakeholders within these schools and local communities; and build LGBTQ+-positive community awareness and skills surrounding all topics of diversity