(In)Visible Queerness: The Lived Experiences of LGBTQ+ ELT Teachers

Abstract Book of the 5th International Conference on LGBT studies

Year: 2026

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(In)Visible Queerness: The Lived Experiences of LGBTQ+ ELT Teachers

Christopher Richards

ABSTRACT:

This presentation reports on two phases of a study in which I interviewed LGBTQ+ English Language Teaching (ELT) teachers working in different countries. The first phase interviewed only participants who identified as gay and male; the second phase broadened the scope to include anyone who identified as LGBTQ+. Taking a life history approach to research, I sought to understand the challenges and opportunities that face them as they have made (and continue to make) career decisions.
ELT is a sector in which queerness has, historically, not been represented (Pennycook, 1999; Gray, 2013) and this is a reality that can lead both teachers (and their students) to keep their identities ‘hidden’ (Vandrick, 1997), as their own sexuality or gender expression is seen as a taboo topic.
The presentation explores the themes generated from interviews which focussed on the careers of the teachers interviews, exploring feelings of otherness and marginalisation, while at the same time advocating for more inclusive and diverse ELT teaching and learning spaces. It will conclude by sharing recommendations for practice and some potential avenues for future research.

Keywords: Careers; Education; Gender Expression; Othering; Sexuality; Self-Discipline