Facilitating Conversations on Sexuality, Same-sex Marriage, and Same-sex Parenting Through Literature in the Elementary Classroom

This research study looks at the use of children’s and young adult literature to facilitate and generate conversations about sexuality, specifically focused on various topics relating to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community (same-sex parenting, same-sex marriage, etc.). The goal of this particular study is to learn how practicing educators are effectively using various strategies involving literature to provide a platform for candid, student-directed conversations, while maintaining a safe, inclusive environment for all students. Three practicing educators with a variety of experience were interviewed, the data analyzed, the findings discussed, and implications and recommendations generated