OK. There it is. I’ve said it. We have a problem.
Putting aside the fact that in some countries and areas of the world, LGBTQIA+ people are illegal (for existing), and putting aside the fact that, let’s be honest, companies and associations are interested in profit, there is another problem in the industry. Please bear in mind that this is merely my opinion, and I’ve been thinking about this post for a while now. I also acknowledge that here I’m talking about the LGBTQIA+ community – this does not mean I do not support and recognise (even though I don’t have lived experience) the experiences and discriminations against people with other marginalised identities, and particularly those with intersectional identities. I also recognise my privilege in being a cis, white, non-disabled man, brought up in the UK who has no affiliation to a company, being freelance.
Similar to what Scott Thornbury wrote, what seems like eons ago (Where are all the coursebook gays and lesbians?), where are all the industry gays and lesbians? (obviously not just gays and lesbians, but all identities under the umbrella). There’s not enough time to name and celebrate all those in our industry who are out and doing magnificent things for the industry – I’m sure you know who I’m talking about, because they are putting themselves out there, trying to make the industry a more inclusive and representative space. And I’m not talking about our fierce allies, who make themselves known on a regular basis by supporting us, coming to our talks, buying our products and generally being amazing allies.
However, we can’t change the industry on our own. One talk or workshop isn’t going to make a difference. Research is important, but unless it’s acted upon, nothing will change.
So why don’t some ELT people within the community speak up?
- They aren’t out, or they live and work in a place where being part of the community is discriminated against.
- There are simply too many ’causes’ to focus on.
- The fear of being ostracised or the fear of losing work.
- Disinterest.
Now, I realise that the ELT community is very, very unlikely to change any state or government laws, so I get that invisibilising yourself is one of self-protection. And I get that not being out would prevent someone from actively and publicly supporting the work that many of us in the industry are doing. I get that.
I also understand that there are too many injustices in the world – at any one time. It’s hard to be angry at all the injustices, and whataboutery. I get that.
Yes, there is a genuine fear of losing work for being who we are. I get that. But unless we can change the industry to be more representative (and I’m not just talking about materials, but teams within companies and associations). Being ostracised is another genuine fear – but there is a small community of people within the industry who can empathise and sympathise.
What I don’t understand is disinterest. Surely anyone, from any marginalised group, wants to make it better for the generations that follow? In one of my blog posts, 36 years, I talk about the ramifications for me after growing up under Section 28. I don’t want anyone to have to go through that. But yet, here we are, in 2024, and marginalised identities are under attack in many different countries, not just the UK where I have most experience.
What I’m saying, in a round about way, is that the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in ELT needs to come together and be a community – this includes our fierce allies, too, who we couldn’t do without. At the moment, I see the 2SLGBTQIA+ ELT community as fragmented – we’re not working together to enact change. Maybe some don’t want to work together – but I do. I remember the phrase that gets bandied about so easily – We are stronger together. And it’s true, we are.
This is the reason I put together I am not a taboo!, hoping that the community can come together (and allies). For those in the community who can’t be out, or who are fearful, the email for I am not a taboo! is open – and only I see it. You would be more than welcome to submit a blog post and then I can post it anonymously on the site. The forums are more difficult to get going, but I can see that people have registered – so thank you. People need to hear your voices. The community needs to hear your voices. Our voices need to come together. Questions need to be asked.
So, what follows is a kind of standard that I’ve sent to people interested in contributing to I am not a taboo! blog:
So, I am not a taboo is a new thing that I’ve started for the LGBTQIA+ ELT community and allies – it’s all very new at the moment. I’d like to use it, and for the community to use it, as a central hub – and part of that is gathering experiences of people within the community. Now, this isn’t paid – I have to stress that – so entirely voluntary, and can be anonymous if anyone wishes, as I’d post it up on the site.
What I’m looking for is any of the following:
– LGBTQIA+ ELT professionals’ experience of their own education journey at school, and how invisibility has affected them.
– LGBTQIA+ ELT professionals’ experience of being an out (or not) professional in the industry.
– LGBTQIA+ ELT professionals’ stories of success.
– ELT allies’ experiences of attempting to get more representation in materials/classrooms.
I’d love to get a wider, global view so that many diverse voices are heard.
Ideally, the blog posts shouldn’t be essay-length, but apart from that, I’m flexible on length – it would also be good if the writer could suggest an opening image, otherwise I’d choose one.
If you’re interested, you can send to admin@iamnotataboo.com.
Peter