Bringing LGBTQ Advocacy into the Classroom: Bridging the Gap Between Policy and Practice

This study focuses on encouraging anti-homophobia education in schools, specifically in regards to fostering safer school environments and bringing LGBTQ advocacy and perspectives into the secondary school classroom. Particular attention was paid to current dialogue around traditional gender binaries and how concerned educators can combat these troubling stereotypes. The questions guiding this study were in what ways does working with a Gay-Straight Alliance inform the practices of four Ontario Secondary School teachers' regarding anti-homophobia education? And what efforts are being made to reach to male students regarding anti-homophobia education? Four participants were interviews for this qualitative study, all of who are dedicated and passionate teachers working in the Greater Toronto Area to combat homophobia. Data analysis as well as the relevant literature revealed that fostering safe school environments for LGBTQ youth is a complex process and the individual teacher can have a detrimental role (either positive or negative) in contributing to feelings of safety within a school. Findings also indicated that a serious disconnect exists between current anti-homophobia policies and the practices occurring in schools. This study strives to raise awareness about this divide and to educate teachers regarding the steps they can take to bridge this gap in their classrooms