Author Description

This book seeks to share the experiences of gay males in Jamaica on their formal schooling experiences through reflection. It examines themes of curriculum, teacher behaviour, school leadership and advocacy, the role of the guidance counsellors, and the dynamics of navigating home, school, community and church for LGBT students. It examines the perceptions of self-identified Jamaican gay men and their understanding of their formal schooling experiences between the ages of 6 - 18 years. A snowball sample of 121 self-identified gay men completed the online questionnaire, participated in focus groups, and engaged in one-on-one interviews. I felt obligated, since, as a researcher, lecturer of diversity studies in education, and leadership and a person of influence, it was my duty to come in front of my own work and share my own voice. When I was young, I did not see any gay role models, except for those on TV. I did not see the successful black gay man that would have given me courage and hope to know that I could become more than what the school and neighbourhood bully said I would become. Today, things are slowly changing and more and more of our young black gay men have possibilities. With the work of leading LGBT organizations, movements, advocates, and allies, we will continue to hope, work, and advocate for change. I hope that this book will be part of the continued change towards a more understanding Jamaica - where our LGBT people will have the space to grow, flourish, and be celebrated.