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ERIC Number: EJ1447107
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Sep
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1042-0541
EISSN: EISSN-2162-5212
Rainbow Owls: A Phenomenological Analysis of LGBTQ+ Agriscience Teachers' Experiences
Colby Gregg; Amanda M. Bowling
Journal of Agricultural Education, v65 n3 p191-203 2024
The purpose of this study was to collaborate with School-Based Agriscience Education (SBAE) teachers who identify as LGBTQ+ to examine the unique interactions between their chosen career and their sexual and/or gender minority identities. This phenomenology utilized queer theory to analyze data from semi-structured interviews with individuals who had taught at least one year in the SBAE classroom, identified as LGBTQ+, and were employed to teach SBAE or professionally supervise an SBAE teacher. Participants consisted of six gay men, one lesbian woman, and one transgender man from eight different states across the U.S. Findings indicated three themes: 1) the three-hurdle race from closeted to proud, 2) Taking the elevator to avoid the "state" SBAE level, and 3) Affirmation and representation -- the importance of being out. While the findings in this study are not generalizable, we begin to uncover the challenges that LGBTQ+ SBAE teachers face. Findings from this study have the potential to inform policy and culture reform to create more inclusive and equitable spaces for SBAE teachers from underserved communities. Of note, individual state SBAE associations should be prompt in assessing these issues since these spaces have been identified by participants as particularly egregious when it comes to a lack of inclusion.
American Association for Agricultural Education. P.O. Box 7607, Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, Raleigh, NC 27695. Web site: https://jae-online.org/index.php/jae/index
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A