Date of Award

2025-08-01

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Teaching, Learning and Culture

Advisor(s)

Song An

Second Advisor

Alyse Hachey

Abstract

This qualitative case study explored the motivations and lived experiences of caregivers of LGBTQ+ youth who chose homeschooling amid escalating anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the United States. Guided by Self-Determination Theory (SDT) (Deci and Ryan, 1980) and Queer Theory (Chevrette, 2013), the study examined how caregivers navigated educational decisions to construct affirming, identity-conscious learning environments in response to exclusionary policies and systemic marginalization. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with four caregivers residing in politically conservative states in the U.S.. The findings revealed that homeschooling functioned both as a protective measure against institutional harm and as a proactive strategy for fostering inclusive, community-based educational spaces. The study introduces the concept of Familial Queer Counterspaces to describe intentional learning environments centered on affirmation and belonging. Findings from this work highlights the need for further research focused on LGBTQ+ youth and caregivers in nontraditional educational settings.

Language

en

Provenance

Received from ProQuest

File Size

167 p.

File Format

application/pdf

Rights Holder

Ana Ferrante

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