Abstract
Authentic leadership requires self-reflection and vulnerability to reveal aspects of self within the workplace. To establish and maintain authentic leadership, LGBTIQ+ educational leaders often balance intersecting personal and professional identities. Examining workplace policies and support systems promoting leader authenticity are necessary, allowing individuals to present authentically and establish meaningful relationships. Integral to shaping authentic leadership identity for LGBTIQ+ individuals are understanding social communities and the importance of increasing awareness by cultivating communities of trust.
TopBackground
For LGBTIQ+ educational leaders and teachers, regardless of grade level or academic institution, fostering a supportive community is crucial to developing an authentic identity reflective of values and experiences. Supportive and affirming communities provide a safe space for individuals to explore and express their true selves (Huffman et al., 2021), free from judgment or discrimination. By connecting with other members of the LGBTIQ+ community, educational leaders and teachers gain insights into the unique experiences of others and develop a more nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics at play within academic settings. Developing strong relationships and opportunities to converse cultivates stronger allyship.
Engaging in meaningful relationships with followers is critical to effective leadership. Educational institutions need a supportive staff community that fosters open communication and collaborative problem-solving through relationships based on trust, inclusivity, and respect. In educational leadership, this means building relationships with other adults, students, caregivers, the external community, and academic community members, prioritizing the needs and experiences of all individuals, regardless of sexual or gender identity. By cultivating conversations based on empathy and genuine care, an environment where individuals can freely express their identity is forged.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Cisgender: Individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.
Identity: The collection of characteristics, beliefs, values, and experiences that define an individual or group and differentiate them from others.
Social Identity: A collection of characteristics, affiliations, and group memberships that individuals use to define themselves in relation to others.
Community: A group of individuals who share common interests, characteristics, or goals and interact with each other in a social context.
Authenticity: Being true to oneself, genuine, and transparent in one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Ally: An individual who recognizes and respects the experiences, perspectives, and struggles of others, working to combat discrimination, prejudice, and inequality.
Gender Identity: An individual’s internal sense of their gender, which may or may not correspond to the sex they were assigned at birth.
Cis-Heteronormative: Refers to the societal norms, expectations, and assumptions that center around cisgender and heterosexual identities as the default or standard.
Sexual Identity: An individual’s sexual orientation, attraction, and behavior, as well as their self-identification and expression related to their sexuality.