Affirming sexual and gender diversity in an elementary school after school program: a case study
Publication Date
1-1-2024
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Journal of LGBT Youth
DOI
10.1080/19361653.2024.2408235
Abstract
Research demonstrates that programming and curricula that is affirmative and inclusive of sexual and gender minority (SGM) people is potentially lifesaving for students in middle and high school. There has been little examination, however, of SGM-affirmative programming at the elementary school level. Elementary school level programming has the potential to benefit SGM youth and families, as well as lead to more affirmative attitudes in later school settings. This study reports on the factors that create and sustain an elementary after school program that has implemented SGM-affirmative programming within a social justice and arts framework for over 20 years. We conducted thematic analysis of interviews with teachers, administrators, and parents in the program and the associated elementary school to identify factors that contribute to the program’s success in affirming and including SGM people. Findings highlight affirmative policies and systems (inclusive mission statements, policies encouraging expression, and hiring diverse staff) and consistent enactment of inclusive and affirmative behaviors (affirming diversity, implementing inclusive curriculum, using inclusive language, and disrupting normativity and implementing restorative practices) as key components of an SGM-affirmative program with elementary-aged students. Results highlight that creating an SGM-affirmative elementary level program is possible and provide an exemplar of this programming in action. Implications and potential focus areas for policy and practice implementation are discussed.
Keywords
LGBTQ+ affirmative programming elementary school programming program development policy development
Department
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Kelly M. Davis, Katrina Kimport, Leslie Einhorn, Satyanand Satyanarayana, James Michael Brennan, Erin Pereida, Matthew Capriotti, and Annesa Flentje. "Affirming sexual and gender diversity in an elementary school after school program: a case study" Journal of LGBT Youth (2024). https://doi.org/10.1080/19361653.2024.2408235
