Chapter 6: “I Want Them [Teachers] To Treat Us Like Human Beings”: Educational Experiences of Black Gay Youth

A study of Black gay males’ life histories, with a focus on their educational experiences, demonstrated how they have come to understand, embrace, and love their intersecting identities. Of relevance to educators is the value gained from the insight of these educational experiences to confront, combat, and dismantle racist and heteronormative facets of schooling. From an analysis and interpretation of the data of Black gay males’ educational experiences, educators can begin to challenge their understanding of this community, understand what Black gay males encounter and how they navigate through schools, and find ways to best support Black gay males and create inclusive lessons for all students to understand, know, and value the Black gay community.