Becoming Allies for Each Other: An Inclusive Approach for Confronting Heterosexism in Schools

Through the voices of teachers and students, this piece describes an approach to professional development and classroom practice that teaches about heterosexism and homophobia as part of an inclusive process for promoting diversity education. Data from a qualitative research study that assessed the long-range effects of a professional development program in diversity education on teachers' practice, and accounts of co-author Karen Cathers, highlight the ways in which educators have successfully worked with students to confront heterosexism and homophobia. The article emphasizes that teachers have been allies to each other, and have educated students about how to address bias in school.