A systematic review of research on LGBTQ educators’ experiences and LGBTQ curriculum in K-12 U.S. public schools

ABSTRACT This systematic review of literature was conducted to understand (a) acronym usage to define LGBTQ educators and curriculum, (b) theoretical frameworks and research designs of studies investigating LGBTQ educator perspectives, (c) the barriers, supports, and benefits identified by LGBTQ educators (i) in including LGBTQ topics into the curriculum and (ii) regarding their disclosure decisions. Of the 12 studies reviewed, patterns emerged in the prevalence of Queer theory as a guiding theoretical lens, narrative and case study approaches to inform investigations into lived experiences, and cross-study concurrence around fear of disclosure and self-censorship. Recommendations for future research include streamlining inconsistencies in LGBTQ acronym definitions, diversifying samples away from predominantly White/Caucasian gay and lesbian educator samples, increasing transgender, queer, questioning and bisexual perspectives, and studying impacts of LGBTQ curricular inclusion.