ABSTRACT

Big Gay Adventures in Education is a collection of true stories by 'out' teachers, and students of 'out' teachers, all about their experiences in schools. The book aims to empower LGBT+ teachers to be the role models they needed when they were in school and help all teachers and school leaders to promote LGBT+ visibility and inclusion.

The contributors range from trainee teachers to experienced school leaders and leading figures from the community across the LGBT+ spectrum, as well as LGBT+ students whose lives were improved by having an openly LGBT+ teacher. Each story is accompanied by an editor’s note reflecting on the contributor’s experience and the practical implications for schools and teachers in supporting LGBT+ young people and ensuring they feel safe and included in their school communities.

Compiled by the co-founder and director of LGBTed, the inspiring stories in this book are essential reading for LGBT+ teachers and allies. Let’s be the role models we needed when we were at school and show our students that they can be successful and happy as an LGBT+ person.

chapter 1|6 pages

Why this book exists

chapter 2|6 pages

To be out or not to be out

chapter 3|4 pages

It’s OK

A school assembly

chapter 4|5 pages

Miss, are you a lesbian?

Becoming bisexual

chapter 5|6 pages

Out from the outset

chapter 6|5 pages

Permission

chapter 8|4 pages

Intersections of identity

Being an ‘out’ Jewish bisexual teacher

chapter 10|4 pages

Bi, Bi, Bi

chapter 11|4 pages

That assembly

chapter 13|4 pages

Add a little bit of glitter

chapter 14|4 pages

‘Miss, I’m part of LGBT too’

chapter 16|2 pages

I want the world to know

chapter 17|7 pages

The best you can be is yourself

chapter 18|4 pages

You’ve gotta give ’em hope

chapter 19|4 pages

The invisible girl

chapter 20|6 pages

The moderately successful lesbian

chapter 21|4 pages

The rainbow armadillo

chapter 22|5 pages

Being the role model I wish I had

chapter 23|4 pages

Changing the narrative

Why being ‘out’ at school is so important

chapter 24|4 pages

Being your authentic self at work