Constructing Sexualities and Gendered Bodies in School Spaces

"This book makes a significant contribution to our understanding of sexuality and gender in schools, going beyond the borders of Iceland and the Nordic countries. It is a must read for all those interested in the field whether at the undergraduate, postgraduate, or professorial level." (Debbie Epstein, Professor of Cultural Studies in Education in the School of Education, University of Roehampton, UK) "Kjaran offers a rare and detailed study of everyday politics and practices of gender, sexuality, spatialization, and visual culture at school. It is also delightfully lucid, a pleasure to read, and a guide to action." (Jeff Hearn, Professor Emeritus, Hanken School of Economics, Finland, and author of "Men of the World") "Through ground-breaking analysis, this brilliant ethnographic study shines a light on the experience of trans, queer, lesbian, gay, and bisexual students and their teachers in schools. This book should not only be read by teachers and school administrators in all levels but also by everyone else concerned with sexuality, gender equality, and education." (Jukka Lehtonen, Senior Researcher in Gender Studies, University of Helsinki, Finland)

This book draws on ethnographic data and interviews with LGBTQ students in high schools across the country and reveals that, although Nordic countries are sometimes portrayed as queer utopias, the school system in Iceland has a long road ahead in making schools more inclusive for all students.This book sheds light on how sexuality and gender intersect in producing heteronormativity within the school system in Iceland. In spite of recent support for progressive policies regarding sexual and gender equality in the country, there remains a discrepancy between policy and practice with respect to LGBTQ rights and attitudes within the school system. This book draws on ethnographic data and interviews with LGBTQ students in high schools across the country and reveals that, although Nordic countries are sometimes portrayed as queer utopias, the school system in Iceland has a long road ahead in making schools more inclusive for all students.