This paper uses a case study approach to examine how the heteronormative nature of one middle school setting and classroom environment shapes the climate of safety, support and learning for LGBTQ students when they are engaged in studying a novel with a gay character. Heteronormative environments inform and shape positioning of and by students and…

Alex Sanchez writes about the importance of having literature with gay-straight themes available to students to help overcome homophobia and provide safer schools for everyone. Letters received from middle school, junior high school, and high school boys and girls across America in response to Sanchez's gay-straight themed novels are narrated.