Teaching for LGBTQ Inclusion in Online Settings

Abstract

This teaching case focuses on how online instructors can be inclusive of sexual and gender diversity in their courses. Drawing on feminist pedagogical principles and queer pedagogy, I suggest three starting points for online instructors to engage an LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer) inclusive pedagogy: (1) openness and respect for diversity, (2) queer storytelling, and (3) social media engagement. I argue that online learning offers a useful location for queer identities and queer knowledge to grow, especially for students who live in socially restrictive spaces. Instructors will need to become advocates and challenge heterosexualizing discourses and hetero/cisnormativity in online learning.