Chapter 14: Queering Multicultural Education

In the past 50 years, acceptance of divergent sexual orientations has been boldly advocated in many parts of the world (Byard, Kosciw, & Bartkiewicz, 2013). These sexual orientations include homosexuality and bisexuality, as well as the gender identity of transgender, all of which can be grouped under the colloquial term of “queer.” During this same period, steps have been taken to reduce prejudice and discrimination against individuals who identify as queer, however this sexual minority group continues to experience harassment and social exclusion.

The prejudice that the queer community faces is often the result of socialization which favors heteronormativity. School environments are ideal places to advocate acceptance and nonjudgmental integration of the queer identities. Many educational systems are well equipped to teach tolerance and reduce prejudice. Schools have the potential to promote social inclusion, advance egalitarian attitudes, and embrace sexual pluralism. This chapter provides a brief history of the queer community, the sociocultural construction of sexuality, the role of (multicultural) education, and its application to sexual pluralism. It argues that multicultural education should promote acceptance and integration of alternative sexual orientations and lifestyles within modern societies.