Getting Ready For Benjamin

Unnormalizing Education

Recently, with the number of students from higher education and K-12 settings committing suicide, it is apparent that homophobia and homophobic bullying are tremendous problems in our schools and universities. However, educators are unclear about an appropriate process for addressing these challenges. In this book, Jones postulates that we must begin exploring the culture of educational environments as they relate to sexual difference, in order to begin conceptualizing ways in which we may begin to address homophobia and heteronormativity. To that end, this book addresses how educators (at all levels) must begin examining how their concepts about different sexual identities are "normalized" through socializing processes and schooling. In doing so, this book examines how individuals construct meanings about homophobia and hate language through "contextual oppositions, " how educational environments maintain a ''false tolerance" when claiming to be tolerant of different sexual identities, how a hierarchy of hate language exists in educational environments, among other issues related to creating safe places for all students. In essence, the book attempts to "un"normalize society's constructions of sexual identity by deconstructing the social norms.

Queer Pedagogies

This book invites readers to explore the critical interruptions occasioned by queer pedagogies. Building on earlier scholarly work in this area, as well as pedagogical production arising out of queer activism, the chapters in this volume examine a broad range of themes as they collectively grapple with the meaning and practice of queer pedagogy across different contexts. In this way, Queer Pedagogies provides a glance at new ways of thinking about and acting on contemporary educational topics and debates situated at the intersection of queer studies and education. In taking up the concept of queer pedagogy, the volume provides ample opportunities for scholars, educators, activists, and other cultural workers to critically engage with ongoing questions of theory, praxis, and politics.

Vampires walk among us. Are you certain they do not? Sarah Abbott discovers they do. Not only does she meet her great-great-grandfather, Benjamin Abbott, but he informs her of his immortality. He then enlightens her of the vampire existence; contrary to the beliefs folklore has led us to believe. She also meets and falls passionately in love with a vampire that has secretly loved her for decades. Carter is a beautiful vampire with sapphire blue eyes that melt Sarah's heart. Their uncommon relationship is in danger when, Victor, Carter's centuries-old rival, makes it his mission, with the help of his companions, to destroy what they have together. Vampires, both good and evil, fill the pages with their personalities and abilities that encourage the reader to want more. Some characters will make you love them while others will make you love to hate them. The uncanny twists that occur throughout the story supplies suspense and intrigue into the lives of the mortal and immortal. The rapid, frightened beating you hear is YOUR heart as you make your way through the pages of this book. Remember, the immortals you will grow to love as the story unfolds exist only with a heart that lies...Silent.