In India, despite educational institutions and their stakeholders claiming equality, there remains embeddedness in a larger society and state that has yet to fully grant human rights to the queer community. As advocates for equitable education, we bear the responsibility to strive for an inclusive, conducive, and safe learning environment for all students, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation.
The insights in this article originate from my personal experiences and findings from independent project research, intending to explore the experiences of queer individuals in the formal education system and draw valuable lessons.
Cultivating Freedom of Expression
Queer students flourish in environments fostering a robust culture of freedom of expression. School philosophies that actively support the expression of all students and teachers, encouraging them to voice their thoughts in class, can dismantle the culture of silence. This not only benefits the overall learning environment but specifically empowers queer students to explore and celebrate their identities without fear of judgment or discrimination.
For example, allowing students the freedom to choose their school uniform irrespective of their gender normalizes varied gender expression.
Mitigating the Hidden Curriculum
Schools often inadvertently convey internalized homophobia, sending hidden messages that there is something wrong with non-heterosexual relationships. To avoid perpetuating such harmful messages within the hidden curriculum, educational institutions must actively work towards fostering inclusivity and dismantling stereotypes. Implementing awareness programs, conducting sensitivity training for staff, and integrating LGBTQIA+ inclusive education can contribute significantly. Encouraging open discussions about relationships that go beyond heteronormative norms helps dispel stereotypes and promotes a culture of acceptance.
For instance, bringing queer stories to the classroom and discussing them as a piece of literature or as part of the curriculum could make queer relationships more visible.
Nurturing Supportive Teacher & Peer Relationships
Positive experiences emerge when educators actively support the identities of queer students, playing a pivotal role in their overall learning. Assurance from institutional stakeholders who accept and listen to students fosters a sense of safety and reassurance. Having a peer or friend to confide in during the process of accepting one’s own identity makes life easier for struggling students. A supportive environment where teachers and peers actively acknowledge and respect the identities of queer students is essential. Positive affirmation within educational spaces provided the strength needed to move forward.
For example, a teacher who supports students in their passions and interests, however “unconventional” that may be, creates a safe space for them.
Navigating Gendered Spaces
When an individual with atypical gender expressions or identities encounters gendered spaces within educational institutions, it can often result in dysphoria and bullying. An environment where individuals can navigate daily activities without the burden of conforming to rigid gender norms is conducive to the well-being of all students, and that is what we should strive for.
For example, having gender-neutral sports teams and washrooms in the school.
Mental Health
Challenges often arise from how people and systems engage with queer identities. The refusal of our culture to move beyond binary constructs can pose difficulties, creating a sense of heaviness. It can be disheartening, even traumatic, to reinforce confinement to traditional expectations, labels, and behaviors. The pressure to conform to predefined norms, such as what a trans person should wear or what a girl should behave like, adds an additional layer of stress.
Conclusion
The call to action is clear: embrace supportive teaching practices, provide gender-neutral spaces, prioritize mental health resources, and foster institutional support. Through these concerted efforts, we can chart a course towards a formal education system that not only acknowledges but celebrates queer identities, ensuring every student feels seen, heard, and affirmed.
Shafali is an Education Professional whose path is shaped by their identity as a Neurodivergent, Feminist, Disabled, and Queer individual. With three academic degrees in Education and a wealth of diverse experience, ranging from content marketing to youth advocacy, they are committed to fostering equitable, accessible and inclusive spaces.
