Comparing Rural and Urban Education Contexts for GLBTIQ Students

Authors

  • Tiffany Jones University of New England

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47381/aijre.v25i2.15

Keywords:

gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, rural

Abstract

This paper considers the different experiences for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (GLBTIQ) students from rural and urban education contexts. It draws on data from three studies of GLBTIQ students I have conducted since 2010, including a 2010 online survey of 3,134 GLBTIQ students in which one fifth came from rural areas; a 2012 study of transgender people and a 2013 study of transgender and intersex students. The different studies repeatedly showed that GLBTIQ students from rural and remote towns experienced isolation, social discrimination and a lack of appropriate services and support. They were less likely to feel safe at school, at social occasions and on the internet than their urban peers. Many aspired to leave their rural and regional homes to become the person they wanted to be in an urban environment. The paper concludes by recommending specific training, resources and contacts to improve rural education services for these students.

Downloads

Published

28-08-2015 — Updated on 01-07-2015

Versions

How to Cite

Jones, T. (2015). Comparing Rural and Urban Education Contexts for GLBTIQ Students. Australian and International Journal of Rural Education, 25(2), 44–55. https://doi.org/10.47381/aijre.v25i2.15 (Original work published August 28, 2015)

Issue

Section

JOURNAL PAPERS