Exploring LGBTQ+ pedagogy in Japanese university classrooms

Abstract Although ostensibly a free and open society, Japan is often seen to be lagging behind in terms of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other (LGBTQ+) rights and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. This lack of understanding leads to a high degree of invisibility for LGBTQ+ members an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:ELT journal 2021-05, Vol.75 (2), p.152-161
Main Authors: Lawrence, Luke, Nagashima, Yuzuko
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
College Instruction
English (Second Language)
Foreign Countries
Gender Issues
Inclusion
LGBTQ People
Second Language Learning
Teaching Methods
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Summary:Abstract Although ostensibly a free and open society, Japan is often seen to be lagging behind in terms of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other (LGBTQ+) rights and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues. This lack of understanding leads to a high degree of invisibility for LGBTQ+ members and a lack of inclusivity in educational curriculums. In this article, the authors document their explorations of introducing both explicit and implicit LGBTQ+ content into university English classes in Japan and their efforts to create a safe and inclusive classroom environment. After reporting on students’ reactions and feelings towards these activities, we recommend a varied approach to LGBTQ+ topics in the classroom that we hope will be of use to teachers not only in Japan, but around the world too.
ISSN:0951-0893
1477-4526
DOI:10.1093/elt/ccaa083