Understanding an Invisible Minority: A Literature Review of LGBTQ+ Persons in Music Education

Abstract

The topics of inclusivity and diversity in music education have drawn increased attention to how different minority groups experience music education. Unlike concerns surrounding most gender and race issues, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other sexual and/or gender minority (LGBTQ+) students and teachers are not always as visibly identifiable as other minority groups and therefore can easily be overlooked. In this literature review, I examine research specific to the LGBTQ+ community, representing an invisible minority group in music classrooms with the aim to raise awareness of the unique obstacles that LGBTQ+ music teachers and students face, so that further discussions engaging music educators might have a stronger knowledge base. Findings suggests that many LGBTQ+ music educators struggle to fully embrace their identity, often having to negotiate professional and personal personalities out of fear or uncertainty. Although music classrooms are often considered safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students, the music curriculum should be more inclusive.