Sexual identity at school

Schools are an important place for sexual socialisation. However, due to their heteronormative structure, they do not adequately address the needs of same-sex oriented students. Homophobia and discrimination create a climate in which students must develop their sexual identity and find their place in school during the process of coming out. Previous studies have shed light on the current situation of young people in their everyday school life. Little is known about what support they would like to receive and what help they actually receive. Five gay teachers who teach at secondary schools report on their current workplace situation and their coming out, as well as the situation of today's gay pupils, the support they need and the help they offer their pupils.