Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the societal and ideological context within which LGBTQI+ parented families and schools exist in the England and Wales. It addresses the media context surrounding LGBTQI+ parented families, and the impact of media on policy. The book focuses on those school policies which impact on LGBTQI+ parented families and how they can illuminate schools' attitudes towards them. It examines, through an analysis of interviews with 26 LGBTQI+ parents, their relationship with the schools attended by their children. The book draws on data collected during an evaluation of the LGBTQI+ education charity Educate & Celebrate. It considers whether or not the Educate & Celebrate model problematizes heteronormative constructions of LGBTQI+ families, and concludes that its approach is generally more nuanced than appears to be the case in many schools.