Overcoming pink and blue : heteronormativity and cisnormativity in primary schools

Abstract

Overcoming Pink and Blue: Heteronormativity and Cisnormativity in Primary Schools, explores qualitatively whether heteronormativity and cisnormativity are pervasive in Maltese primary schools. If our schools are guided by such ideologies, how does this affect LGBTI+ students? The study examines whether there is a discrepancy between Maltese progressive LGBTI+ inclusive laws and educational policies and actual school practices. It investigates whether teachers are conscious of the need to address such issues, whether they receive any information or training in this regard and whether they face any obstacles in addressing such realities. The study also seeks to establish whether schools are adopting LGBTI+ inclusive policies across the board, whether students are receiving information about family and body diversity and whether gender stereotypes are being challenged.

This research shows that while gender stereotypes in terms of the masculine-feminine binary are being addressed to some extent, gender-related education does not seem to go much beyond this. Education pertaining to diversity in gender identities and expression tends to be neglected and continues to depend on the values of the Head of school.

Where diversity is concerned, education tends to give prominence to factors such as religion and race while diversity in terms of the LGBTI+ spectrum is once again generally ignored. Teachers have a crucial role in terms of how diversity issues are addressed in class since much is left at their discretion. At the same time, in certain educational contexts, the school ethos is more likely to facilitate LGBTI+ friendly practices. However, the fact that LGBTI+ visibility also depends on whether such issues are brought up by the children themselves is of concern. This is more so considering the policy and legal transformations that have recently been implemented in the country and which are far from reflected in our educational system.