From the playground to the platform : the narratives of gay teachers

Abstract

This research aims at examining issues pertaining to gay students and teachers in the local educational setting. Through the exploration of hegemonic masculinity at school, this study attempts to challenge the undercurrents of a 'hidden' curriculum and its ramifications upon gay students and teachers. The latter's relationship with students and staff is a matter which the author of this study tries to analyse. The research investigates whether gay teachers are instrumental in combating a prevailing homophobic culture in schools and in supporting gay students to come to terms with their sexuality. These issues are explored through the narratives of three gay teachers. The narrative interviews witness the tough, though silent, apprehension which gay students and teachers endure. These spoken contributions reveal that, in spite of the hardship endured throughout their Secondary School years, gay students opted to become teachers to fight homophobia and its consequences.