This week is Lesbian Visibility Week, so I thought this historical photo might be appropriate for this post – although this post does not focus on Lesbian Visibility Week, I wanted to acknowledge it and send out my support to all.
I’ve been working on several projects recently, which are really making me think. I’m not naming the projects or any other identifying information, but it’s got me thinking more generally about inclusion and EDIB in ELT. I don’t know how this post will turn out – it may just be ramblings.
Many times, we’re asked to do a DEI check on a product (book) to see if it features people authentically (or at all). The thing is, a lot of this is based purely on appearance. Are there any Queer people in the book? Are there any neurodivergent people in the book? What about different gender identities? Unless the book specifically says, then maybe, maybe not.
If we judge people by appearance, then we’re plunging headfirst into stereotypes – and harmful ones at that. If a woman is wearing dungarees and has short hair (yes, I know, an awful stereotype, but this is my point), should she be classified as the lesbian in the book? No!
If a man has long hair, painted nails and likes to dance (I know…), should he be classified as the gay representation? No!
If a character uses a fidget spinner and has a daily planner on their wall, should they be classified as representing neurodivergence? No!
It’s the same with families. In the past, I’ve suggested a photo of a family consisting of two men and two children – but does it explicitly say anywhere that this is a family consisting of two men in love, or two men in a relationship? No. But the hint is there.
And it seems to me that this is all we can (or allowed to) do in certain markets, or with certain publishers. Hint. Madonna-forbid if we actually name the identity. I grant, that this may be easier to do in teen/adult books, but what about the international children studying English, aged seven, who have a family consisting of two women? Or a non-binary person and a man? Or a trans man and a cis woman? Surely they deserve more than just a hint of identity. Why can’t we name the identity?
For me, ELT has become a little stagnant, with hinted-at representation which isn’t authentic at all (I know there are some authentic resources and publications out there, don’t get me wrong).
Take, for example, this photo:
There are different hints that this photo could give. The women could be sisters, or friends, or family members. Or they could be wife and wife. A possible caption could be ‘Manuela enjoys going for a walk with her moms.’ This would stop the ambiguity. Or maybe even ‘Sandra and her wife like taking their daughter to the park.’
Until we start seeing this kind of content in mainstream publications, ELT cannot be defined as inclusive or authentic.
And before the bigots start shouting ‘But we don’t want to see a book filled with all lesbians and gays.’ – neither do I, because that’s not how society is. Society is made up of many different identities (which cannot be changed) that deserve to be represented in educational materials. Period.
While I’ve got you here … three things to take note of:
Ban Conversion Therapy Practices
It’s way beyond time for the UK government to ban conversion practices in totality. Have a look here: https://www.banconversionpractices.com
Section 28 Justice
Section 28 was a damaging law passed in the UK in 1988 and lasted for years, with even longer lasting consequences. There’s a petition for a public inquiry, and also an initiative called Dear Section 28. Have a look here: https://section28justice.co.uk
Queer Student Awards 2026
I’m over the moon to be a judge on this year’s awards. The shortlist will be announced soon, but have a look at the website here: https://www.thequeerstudentawards.co.uk