In this essay, I develop a pedagogical stance called the "free exercise of rhetoric" as a way to approach teaching and student writing at the intersection of LGBT and religious discourses. Through this stance, I work with students' personal commitments and build their rhetorical competence using a process that involves encountering uncommon…

This article is a commentary on the seven papers in this special issue of "Sex Education." A compelling theme interwoven throughout all the articles in subtle and explicit ways is the role that adults play in the lives of students, particularly in the ways in which adults impact how students enact and respond to the multiple…

Scholars have sought to identify the complexity and multidimensionality of the phenomenon of sexual identity formation since the American Psychiatric Association declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1973 (Bayer, 1981). This article addresses the manner in which the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer [LGBTQ]…

While whiteness studies at most institutions aims to expose the persistence of white supremacy to a disbelieving audience, whiteness studies within the College of Ethnic Studies (COES) at San Francisco State University (SFSU) begins with the assumption that racism still exists. The course then traces how whiteness is constructed and fortified to…

The present article attempts to pay attention to the ways in which a group of young Cypriot students engage in the construction of conventional notions of masculinities through the negation and the fear of homosexual desire. Drawing on interviews with 12 male and female university students, I argue that many young men go through complicated…

This essay is about the experiences, feelings, and thoughts of a Japanese teacher before and after an article appeared in a nationwide newspaper, "Asahi Shinbun". Here he discusses the reactions of administrators and students as well as his efforts in working with students in writing and producing a play about a lesbian high school…

Describes how the inclusion of a scene from Steven Deitz's play "Lonely Planet" can touch those who have lost friends to AIDS. Relates how a group of students went to see a production of "Falsettos" which provided an opportunity for the students to examine their own attitudes about homosexuality and AIDS. (PA)

The increased visibility of lesbian and gay texts can be considered analogous to and preparatory to the increasing visibility of lesbian and gay people. Students who read about and discuss homosexuality may produce writings which reflect resistance to subject matter but also sensitivity to the relationships which the works studied described. Both…

Discusses gender role enforcement as a way of disguising the ongoing pervasive presence of homophobia in modern society. Describes seven class activities intended to move students from simplistic notions of "boys do this and girls do that" to comfort with and acceptance of the deconstruction of traditional gender roles. (SR)

Describes how Bette Green, popular author of adolescent fiction, goes about the business of writing. Speaks out particularly against the violence and oppression experienced by many gay and lesbian youth in American schools. (HB)

A respected and effective college writing instructor (who happens to be gay but does not find it necessary or desirable to announce his sexual orientation) considers himself respectful of all people and even tolerant of those wish to express views the instructor personally finds reprehensible. This has allowed students to open up to the…

Cites literature for gay young adults that includes positive homosexual role models and attempts to provide answers for the confused teen. (CRH)

Two teachers have brought gay and lesbian literature into their American literature courses at a large university near a major metropolitan area. The decision to introduce the works in traditional courses, rather than newly minted ones, was dictated by the university's fairly rigid institutional setting and the relative conservatism and timidity…

Teachers of writing are well trained to take the lead in inspiring a change in communication and behavior within the classroom to create more positive schooling experiences for gay and lesbian students. Many gay teenagers become aware of their sexuality at an early age; however, by the time most of them reach college composition, they have still…

Conservatism in college student publications is increasing. One common theme is the perception that students' education is being compromised by forced multiculturalism and diversity, feminist and gay rights movements, and political correctness. Censorship is also rising. Mainstream campus newspapers, formerly liberal, appear to be moving toward…