Today, members of the various lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) communities enjoy many of the same rights and privileges as their cis-gender, heterosexual peers. Yet, the lived experiences of many queer-identified teachers in schools remain problematic, uncomfortable, and tension-filled. Given the rise of 'No Promo Homo' laws…

In many of the world's countries, being gay is punishable by death (Bearak and Cameron, June 16, 2016). And in the United States, there has been recent political opposition to gay marriage and gay rights. It is no wonder that, in today's world, a small but important percentage of our young people grow up confused, scared, and unsupported. A CDC…

Several unearned benefits attending straight privilege are listed, prefaced by two main arguments. First, it is argued that the rampant heterosexism in the U.S. is largely attributable to many Americans' framing of heterosexism as a matter of religious freedom rather than as a form of bigotry. It is further argued that educators' elimination of…

When a gay male student began distributing letters at his high school alerting students and teachers to the antigay language in the school and teachers' lack of intervention, the letter was quickly confiscated. McGarry, an administrator in the central office, learned of the incident and of other incidents in which LGBT students and teachers were…

Discrimination based on sexual orientation in K-12 education is not prohibited in many school districts across the United States. Teachers who are of the sexual minority (gay, lesbian, or bisexual) must remain closeted or risk losing their jobs. A history of past court decisions and laws deeming sexual minorities to be degenerates from which…

Two recent, highly rated movies depict central characters who are involved in killing members of groups despised in their societies. In "Milk" and "The Reader," the characters of Dan White and Hanna Schmitz, respectively, are treated with empathy and a search for understanding. Their personal sufferings and confusions are highlighted, and the…

This article deals with controversial issues in recruitment of Latino/a faculty in higher education in the United States. The authors present a hypothetical faculty hiring case scenario that they follow throughout the manuscript. Through this case scenario, they examine aspects of Latino/a identity, Latino/a demographics in higher education, and…

Asserts that the resolution recently adopted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police making it official policy not to hire homosexuals as policemen is unconstitutional. Describes the positive results achieved by the hiring of homosexuals in the San Francisco police and sheriff's departments. (GC)

In this article, the author talks about the passing of new laws forbidding gay marriage or legal recognition of same-sex unions in the United States and the impact of the gay rights issue on students. Across the nation, faculty who enjoy secure academic appointments, work with caring colleagues, and reside in university towns are subject to new…

Describes the reaction to his "English Journal" article on gay teens. Discusses loss of job, invitations to give speeches, requests for interviews, and the response of individuals and the administration at the community college where he teaches part time. (EL)

The three women discuss their problems in accepting their lesbianism, in telling their families about it, and in getting others to accept them. (MC)

Examines two major recurring, but paradoxical, fantasies in the rhetoric of social scientists' descriptions of homosexuals: the "homosexual as degenerate," and "mainstreaming the homosexual." Proposes the use of the word "gay" and its referents as a substitute research base for examining social and cultural meanings of same-sex relations. (JMF)

Advocates a direct, honest approach to lesbian poetry and demonstrates how such an approach can contribute to an understanding of poetry written by lesbians as well as of American lesbians' place in society. (DD)

Discusses lesbian and gay concerns in the sphere of education. Recommends positive classroom discussion of homosexuality and lesbianism. (DM)

Explores the importance, rationale, process, and effective use of lesbian, gay, and bisexual speakers' panels as an educational tool to combat homophobia. Successful panels create an atmosphere of emotional safety for panelists and participants. Panels emphasize the sharing of life experiences and facilitate applying the understanding gained to…