“You can’t just make gay people disappear”: Young adolescent LGBTQIA+s’ advice for middle level educators

Abstract

Young adolescents who are LGBTQIA+ often encounter hostile experiences while in middle level schools. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 young adolescents who are LGBTQIA+ at two middle schools to determine their experiences. Students report the ages at which they realized their gender and sexual identities: Five reveal recognizing their identities before they entered sixth grade. Respondents provide examples of how they are often mistreated and disrespected by fellow students and teachers. Students offer advice to middle level educators for how to protect and support them as they interact with teachers and fellow students. Differences between gender identity and sexual orientation are provided to assist educators in understanding the distinction and its significance. Current sexual and gender identity vocabularies are provided, as is a rationale to avoid labeling anyone who is LGBTQIA+ as “diverse” or with the phrase, “identifies as.” Three types of victimization of adolescents who are LGBTQIA+ that often occur at school are identified: staff-sanctioned victimization, direct victimization, and indirect victimization. The effects of victimization are described as are suggestions for circumventing these behaviors. We offer strategies to help educators identify and address heteronormative beliefs and resultant negative policies. Suggestions are provided for how to create safe and equitable environments in middle level schools for students who are LGBTQIA+.