LGBT microaggressions among teachers in South African schools

Francis, D. A. and Reygan, F. (2021) LGBT microaggressions among teachers in South African schools. In: Corkett, J. K., Cho, C. L. and Steele, A. (eds.) Global Perspectives on Microaggressions in Schools: Understanding and Combating Covert Violence. Routledge: New York, NY. ISBN 9781003089681

Abstract

In this paper, we explored types and qualities of microaggressions or subtle forms of discrimination towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people among teachers in South Africa. For data collection, we used in-depth interviews. Twenty-five Life Orientation teachers, nine men and sixteen women, from both rural and urban schools throughout the Free State Province participated. Our findings suggest heterosexism as well as subtle and sometimes harder to pin down forms of bias – microaggressions – are experienced in these contexts. Given the educational policy shifts on LGBT rights in South Africa, we argue that microaggressions need to be clearly located in the larger macro context of systemic heterosexism which pervades schools and the teaching of sexuality education in South Africa. We conclude with implications for teaching and support interventions to make schools more LGBT inclusive.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Francis, Professor Dennis
• Authors: Francis, D. A., and Reygan, F.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education
• Publisher: Routledge
• ISBN: 9781003089681