Understanding Whole-School Approaches to LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Book excerpt: The book provides a comprehensive theoretical exploration of LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools drawing on critical insights from across the disciplines of sociology, psychology, history, and queer theory to present a robust theoretical foundation for school-wide approaches to LGBTQ+ inclusion. Examining key concepts such as minority stress and ‘post-gay’ identities, it offers a nuanced understanding of the historical attitudes and systemic oppression faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The chapters construct an ecological framework that highlights the unique challenges encountered by LGBTQ+ students and teachers in educational settings. This framework serves as the basis for a model that advocates for proactive measures in fostering an inclusive environment in schools. This includes the development of inclusive policies, practices, culture, and curricula. The book concludes by contemplating the potential applications of this model in Higher Education, extending its relevance beyond K-12 schools to also include universities and colleges. This volume will be valuable resource for researchers, scholars, educators, and policymakers interested in promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in educational institutions, and with interests in gender and education, whole-school approaches, LGBTQ+, and diversity and inclusion more broadly.