“They were surprised that I didn’t have a boyfriend, a male boyfriend”:

the memories and narrative of a teacher from the interior of Paraíba

Abstract

This text presents the teaching narrative of a teacher from the interior of Paraíba who declares herself a lesbian. The research aims to understand the paths taken by teacher Raquel, our interviewee, as well as to analyze how her singularities developed/affected the process of her teaching constitution, based on the assumption that being a teacher brings to light demands that the peculiarities of a heterosexual teacher. As a methodological path, we followed the paths proposed by Oral History, with a view to recovering and valuing female teaching memory. The study highlights how the school institution has historically and culturally constituted itself as a space where heteronormativity has a privileged place, relegating homosexuality to the margins. In this way, the school space has become one of the most difficult places for someone who is not heterosexual. Despite this scenario, it was still possible to perceive the ruptures created in the traffic of our participants, as well as the importance of having them participate in the public – and educational – space. Likewise, it highlights the urgency of teacher training that prepares teachers to deal with diversity, respecting all its richness and plurality.