Queer Pupils at Christian Private Schools

‘Theological Heteronormativity’ and Colliding Rights

Abstract

How are LGBT issues addressed at Norwegian Christian private schools run by free churches? In what ways do such schools safeguard queer pupils’ rights and psychosocial learning environment in line with current Norwegian policy in the educational field? Based on individual interviews with seven queer women aged 20–30 about their experiences from Christian private schools, we present and discuss their stories about how sexuality in general, and homosexuality in particular, were presented at the schools they attended. Our findings indicate that the interviews somewhat reflect recent discussions and changes within Norwegian free churches. However, the dominant narrative about how LGBT issues are addressed at Christian private schools run by free churches is imbued by theological heteronormativity. We argue that sexuality education at these schools is provided within the framework of theological heteronormativity, which adds an existential dimension to the teaching and seems to cause insecurity and unsafety for queer pupils. Our study offers new insights into how pupils and young people might experience the collision between rights, such as Christian private schools and free churches’ rights to exercise their religious freedom, even though it clashes with the right of queer people to not be discriminated against and their right to religious freedom.