Journal of Education & Social Policy

Honoring, Respecting, and Supporting LGBTQ Students
Dr. JaDora Sailes

Abstract
Educational settings are becoming a microcosm of society representing the diversity that is manifest in an increasingly multicultural world. As early as 1969, Smith recognized there was a need for major re-engineering of teacher education programs to prepare professionals for work in these every changing diverse settings. Unfortunately, most educators are not taught how to handle diversity and inclusiveness in the classrooms. This positon is just as profound for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning) students and their families. Based on recent sweeping reforms for gay rights, and specifically gay marriage, it is more likely that there will be more students with openly gay parents and more students who are willing to come out as LGBTQ .This paper provides a theoretical framework for using reflective writing as a pedagogical tool for examining beliefs and attitudes towards GLBTQ students in the development of future educators who support all students and their families.

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