Building LGBTQ awareness and allies in our teacher education community and beyond

Abstract

In this article we share the impact of a training program (Positive Space I and Positive Space II) on pre-service teachers’ understandings of and abilities to create safe spaces for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgendered and Queering/Questioning (LGBTQ) youth and allies in our teacher-education program and in schools. Research has demonstrated LGBTQ youth are more likely to feel unsafe, alienated and more vulnerable than their heterosexual counterparts in schools and society.  Our discussion focuses upon the impact of this training program, and considers challenges and best practices to build awareness and allies in our own higher-education context, as well as to help create better learning communities for LGBTQ youth and allies in schools. We suggest this particular program is an example of how to work towards the development of a pedagogy that does not oppress; one that truly embraces, celebrates, and honours all learners.