Sexual diversities, policy approaches and the construction of the subject

This chapter examines how sexually diverse subjects are constructed in current anti-homophobia and equity policy frameworks and resources across three public education contexts. These include, in Australia, the New South Wales (NSW) Department of Education and Communities (DEC) and the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD); and in Canada, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). Although space precludes a detailed discussion of these documents, the analysis below shows how theory can illustrate how policy framings produce particular understandings and approaches to sexual diversity and sexually diverse subjects. First, however, an understanding of sexual diversity and discrimination in schools is required to highlight the important of having effective policy frameworks in education in this equity area.