Conclusions: Queering “Politics of Pain” Through Activism and Educational Outreach Work

Abstract

Approaches and perspectives with regards to queer outreach work in schools are diverse, as discussed in the chapters of the book Queer Social Movements and Outreach Work in Schools: A Global Perspective. They all engage with critical aspects of queering heteronormativity and the workings of Othering and heterocisgender privileges. There are many global challenges in doing outreach work. Firstly, there is the issue of funding and resources in doing this kind of activist work in schools. Secondly, to gain access to schools and educational spaces is often difficult and need to be negotiated. The findings presented in the chapters have a number of potential implications and opportunities for the development of outreach work in educational settings, both in the global north and south. They also give some examples of how it is possible to queer or disrupt heteronormativity, gender binary and cisgender ideology in educational spaces through outreach work.