Circles of Silence: Sexual Identity in Physical Education and Sport

Drawing upon life history data this paper explores moments from the lives of five lesbian teachers at different stages of their careers. The manner in which homophobia and heterosexism permeates the world of schooling to shape the interaction of lesbian teachers with both colleagues and pupils is highlighted as is the systematic denial of essential freedoms to these teachers. This is accomplished by considering the partial, distorting and perverse nature of an enforced private/public divide in their lives. It is concluded that taking action to challenge homophobia and heterosexism in schools is the responsibility of all teachers regardless of their sexual identity.