Changing the Narrative Around LGBTQIA+ Representation with Ian Eagleton

Primary Futures

Ian Eagleton, an author and former teacher, discusses the challenges and opportunities in creating inclusive and diverse educational environments. Ian explores the importance of addressing toxic masculinity and gender stereotypes in schools, as well as the need for a curriculum that includes diverse and marginalised voices. He also shares his experiences as both a teacher and author, highlighting the significance of safety in classrooms where students can openly discuss gender and sexuality. The conversation also touches on the practical aspects of implementing inclusive education, such as funding, time management and the availability of diverse resources. Throughout the episode, the conversation highlights the need for more diverse and engaging books in classrooms and calls for empowering teachers to shape the curriculum to reflect the diverse experiences of all students better.

• (00:57) - Ian discusses the positive trends that he is seeing within schools, starting with the growing trend of schools that are open and willing to facilitate the conversation surrounding the LGBTQ+ community to create a safe space for all.
• (04:30) - Ian considers that there are still schools or wider communities that are not ready to confront issues that challenge the LGBTQ+ community
• (11:54) - Ian and Ed explore the impact that Section 28 had on teachers when it was implemented and how following repeal, the repercussions still affect educators.
• (27:50) - Ian looks to the future and considers how safety is paramount within education, to ensure that children have a space where they can explore and discuss their own struggles.
• (35:44) - Ian looks at the current national curriculum and discusses how it can be improved, to ensure that the curriculum is representative for all students.
• (43:14) - Ian concludes the conversation with a brief discussion of his upcoming book, ‘The Boy Who Cried Ghost’.

About our guests

Ian Eagleton is the director of The Reading Realm and a resource writer for various educational organisations, including The Literacy Shed and Authorfy. Ian has taught in primary schools for thirteen years. He especially enjoys sharing picture books, poetry and creative writing activities with the children he teaches. His books include the award-winning Nen and the Lonely Fisherman, Violet's Tempest, The Woodcutter and the Snow Prince, Glitter Boy, and The Boy Who Cried Ghost. You can follow Ian on X at @MrEagletonIan

Connect with Ian Eagleton

Key takeaways

• Ensure that students have a safe classroom environment to discuss gender and sexuality openly without fear of judgment or shame.
• Include stories and histories of marginalised voices, such as LGBTQ+ trailblazers, to provide a more inclusive education.
• Integrate modern, inclusive books into the classroom that offer representation and are engaging for students.
• Allow teachers the flexibility to adapt the curriculum to address relevant topics and provide them with the resources they need.
• Advocate for better funding and time management to support the implementation of inclusive education practices.

Quotes

"I often talk to students and children and say to them, whose histories and whose stories are told and why is that? Why did I never hear these stories? And how does it make groups of people feel when they're excluded from the curriculum, when they're excluded from books?" - Ian Eagleton

"Schools that are doing well are really trying to include, in a natural way, the LGBTQ+ community in their curriculum." — Ian Eagleton

"I think when you talk to a lot of gay men, who grew up under that long shadow of Section 28, the most frequent word that comes up that everyone says, the word is shame." — Ian Eagleton

Resource recommendations
Eagleton, I. and Mayhew. J. (2021) Nen and the Lonely Fisherman. Owlet Press.

Eagleton, I. (2023) Glitter Boy. Scholastic Fiction

Eagleton, I. (2024) The Boy Who Cried Ghost. Scholastic Fiction

The Reading Realm. Resources, book reviews and more created by Ian Eagleton.

Stonewall. Best practices, toolkits and resources created by education professionals.

What will you take away?

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