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Queering Transformative Learning: The Unfolding of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Ally Lives

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Abstract

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and ally (LGBTQIA) lives remain complex at a time when LGBTQIA individuals and communities, as sexual and gender minorities, face unequal rights throughout the world. For those who may be coming out of the closet (revealing their identities to others) or coming to understand their own sexuality and gender, family, friends, and the local community may be more or less supportive of their choice to come out. Transformative learning is a helpful theory for understanding the shifting landscape of LGBTQIA lives, whether shifting due to time or location. The complexity of LGBTQIA lives leads to an unfolding of personal identity through time given this rapidly shifting landscape.

The use of LGBTQIA to include allies is deliberate in this chapter. As is further explained in the chapter, allies include those who do not take on one of the labels (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex) but are included in this grouping of sexual and gender minorities, whether due to political orientation (in the case of straight allies who receive stigma based on their beliefs), sexual practices, gender, or some other reason. Allies also leave the door open to other individuals and groups which may align themselves with the movement for any given reason. This choice is meant to be inclusive and expansive.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Occupational, Workforce, and Leadership Studies, Texas State University, 601 University Dr, San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA

    Matthew A. Eichler

  2. Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Maynila, Philippines

    Racidon P. Bernarte

Authors
  1. Matthew A. Eichler
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  2. Racidon P. Bernarte
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Correspondence to Matthew A. Eichler .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy

    Marcella Milana

  2. Faculty of Education, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

    Sue Webb

  3. School of Education, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom

    John Holford

  4. Department of Education and Childhood, University of the West of England, Bristol, United Kingdom

    Richard Waller

  5. Department of Politics, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom

    Peter Jarvis

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Eichler, M.A., Bernarte, R.P. (2018). Queering Transformative Learning: The Unfolding of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Ally Lives. In: Milana, M., Webb, S., Holford, J., Waller, R., Jarvis, P. (eds) The Palgrave International Handbook on Adult and Lifelong Education and Learning. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-55783-4_46

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-55783-4_46

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London

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