Out in Britain: The politics of sexuality education and lesbian and gay teachers in schools

Abstract

The increasing normalisation of sexual diversity and legislative gay equality in Britain are demonstrated with the recent passing of the Marriage (Same-Sex Couples) Bill, and the 2010 Equality Act, which made it unlawful to discriminate against employees on the basis of sexual orientation. This political recognition does not extend, however, to the sphere of sexuality education and to the continuing problems faced by lesbian and gay teachers (and pupils) in schools. The Coalition government continues to resist making sex and relationships education compulsory in the school system. This chapter examines the tensions between wider political and policy contexts in relation to queer sexuality and local school contexts which often maintain heteronormative and protective discourses, making the position of queer teachers a difficult one to negotiate.