Easing the Violence: Transgressing Heteronormativity in Educational Administration

Abstract

The overwhelming heteronormativity presumed in the field of educational administration poses challenges for both scholars and practitioners who strive to transgress the societal expectations that constrain the expression of sexually diverse populations. In this article, I use a combination of autobiographical data and information gathered through personal interviews to examine multiple ways in which the normalization of sexuality might be interrogated. I argue that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered faculty and administrators can more effectively contravene the normalizing practices of heterosexism by refusing to remain silent about issues of sexuality. Additionally, I include implications for practicing researchers and administrators who are seeking to challenge heterosexist norms.