The identity illusion: the impact of heterosexist microaggressions on the identity formation of teachers

Jolliffe, Bradley (2021) The identity illusion: the impact of heterosexist microaggressions on the identity formation of teachers. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This study focuses on identity formation as it relates to teachers and the heterosexist microaggressions that can be experienced. Using critical autoethnography, I reflect on, write, and analyze narratives written based upon both my own and my colleagues’ experiences. Critical qualitative research on the experiences of queer individuals in education has grown in the past decade, however, more first-hand experiences need to be shared to expose the need for all individuals to examine their behavior and beliefs and how they may be attributing to microaggressions. Through my personal voice as a research participant (teacher) and analytical voice as a researcher, this thesis purposely incites chaos, disruption, and entangles perspectives and biases that are usually kept separate. Heterosexist microaggressions enliven the belief that heterosexuality is the norm and benchmark for society, othering those who fall outside of this measurement and shape their identity through different means. When this belief is unchallenged it threatens authenticity and inclusion for the genuine identity development of individuals to occur. As a result of this critical autoethnography, considerations for future research are offered in the hopes of encouraging those living unspoken narratives to make themselves visible and heard in an educational context to promote future fluidity and transformation.

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