Training Secondary Teachers to Support LGBTQ+ Students: Practical Applications from Theory and Research

In this essay, the author describes theory-informed methods for training Secondary teachers and administrators to support students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and otherwise outside of heterosexual and cisgender identities (LGBTQ+). Rather than focus on anti-bullying initiatives, the ideas presented here are intended to educate participants on recognizing systemic oppressions of heteronormativity and sexism and view LGBTQ+ people from a positive perspective. Three activities are described so that readers can conduct their own trainings: a heteronormativity scavenger hunt, a gender spectrum activity, and viewing LGBTQ+ people using a queer cultural capital lens. This essay combines ideas from social theories, education research, and the author’s own experiences training pre- and in-service educators on queer issues.