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Multiple dimensions of safe space for LGBTQ students: school staff perceptions.

Authors :
Beasy, Kim
Grant, Ruby
Emery, Sherridan
Source :
Sex Education; Jan2023, Vol. 23 Issue 1, p35-48, 14p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Inclusive school environments have been shown to improve educational outcomes, retention, mental health and overall wellbeing for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) students. Anti-bullying approaches have been common strategies used in schools to promote safety for all students, yet a well-established critique among scholars and educators suggests such approaches by themselves are insufficient. Little research exists investigating the spatial aspects of forming LGBTQ-inclusive school cultures. This article reports on an Australian study exploring teachers' and school staff understandings of how space influences inclusion and how they negotiateed or established 'safe spaces' for LGBTQ students. Drawing on the work of Edward Soja, we explored how participants constituted safety in conceived and perceived spaces, and how this informed the ways in which physical environments were established in the lived space to promote inclusion. We reveal the role of physical, discursive and curriculum spaces in everyday schooling activities and practices to promote LGBTQ inclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
14681811
Volume :
23
Issue :
1
Database :
Complementary Index
Journal :
Sex Education
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
160967666
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/14681811.2021.2018677