Abstract: In all but a handful of states, it is legal to discriminate against individuals on the basis of sexual orientation. Ways in which homophobia and anti-gay sentiments affect education in the United States are addressed in this collection of essays. They are written for educators and others concerned about schooling, from kindergarten through graduate school. The central premise of the text is that everyone benefits when students, parents, educators, and others are allowed to live openly in terms of sexual orientation. The essays address a number of gay and lesbian issues, from the coming-out processes of students and adults, to gay- positive/gay-visible curricula, to parenting and family concerns. The essays are grouped into five sections. Part one examines professional issues and includes personal viewpoints. Part two looks at curricular issues such as self censorship and bringing gay and lesbian literature out of the closet. Part three focuses on youth, parents, and families and explores popular views of coming out, as well as the subsequent challenges for educators. Part four profiles responses to gays and lesbians and lists outreach programs for gay and lesbian youth. In part five, numerous resources, such as periodicals, bibliographies, directories, and youth groups are presented as well as curricular concerns. (RJM)

Title: Open Lives, Safe Schools: Addressing Gay and Lesbian Issues in Education.
Author: Walling, Donovan R., Ed.
ISBN: 0-87367-485-5
Note: 284p.
Publication Year: 1996
Document Type: Book (010); Collection (020); Non-classroom Material (055)
Target Audience: Practitioners and Teachers
ERIC Identifier: ED409516
Clearinghouse Identifier: CG027858
Available from: Phi Delta Kappa Educational Foundation, Bloomington, IN 47402-0789 ($30.00).
This document is NOT available from the ERIC Document Reproduction Service (EDRS).

Descriptors: Adolescents; Bias; Children; Curriculum Development; * Educational Environment; Elementary Secondary Education; Higher Education; * Homophobia; * Homosexuality; Lesbianism; * School Administration

Identifiers: Homosexual Literature; Homosexual Parents; Homosexual Teachers; *Sexual Orientation