Under pressure

As powerful sites of social transformation, schools are crucial in the fight against discrimination and inequality. But are South African schools meeting their constitutional requirements in relation to sexual diversity? Are they working to create positive and affirming spaces for lesbian and gay learners? Under Pressure is the first multi-school study to answer these and many more questions. Drawing on in-depth interviews with learners, teachers, school managers and parents, it offers a compelling portrait of an education system rife with homophobia. The book provides a detailed account of how school communities understand and respond to homosexuality, and in doing so uncovers a culture of compulsory heterosexuality. But Under Pressure also offers a way forward. It identifies strong entry points for future interventions and outlines strategies for combating school-based homophobia. The study’s findings highlight the need for urgent action from all stakeholders and for integrated, evidence-based programmes that support of sexual and gender diversity. Under Pressure is compulsory reading for anyone interested in education policy, social justice, gender equality or sexuality rights.