Preparing LGBTQ-allies and combating homophobia in a U.S. teacher education program

Abstract

Interns in a US teacher education program were surveyed regarding their attitudes towards diversity, particularly issues of sexuality, their feelings of “cultural competence” around diversity, and the repertoires of practices and resources they feel prepared to draw on in their work with middle and high schools students (11–18 year olds). Analysis of course materials provided insight into distinctions between anti-homophobia and LGBTQ-ally stances among students. Extensive semi-structured interviews with 7 students explored these issues in more depth, documenting their sense of preparedness and cultural competence, where locate and how they identify “useful experiences in learning how to teach LGBTQ youth, and the concerns they face in their work against heterosexism and homophobia in schools.