A retrospective outlook: approaching gender and sexual diversity in education with drama and theatre

Abstract

Research has shown the impetus for utilising dramatic techniques in addressing issues around gender and sexual diversity (GSD) in education. This article argues that drama is an important way of engaging in conversations around GSD in educational settings. The article begins with an exploration of heteronormativity and cisnormativity in education and studies the usefulness of drama and theatre as tools applied to promote GSD. Prior research and projects conducted in different contexts were analysed. The article concludes that five dramatic components could be identified and are pivotal in educational programmes that implemented performing arts and participatory pedagogies in the discussion of GSD - exploration, open-endedness, playfulness, aesthetic distance, and experimentation. The article analysed the development of exploring GSD from artistic and dramatic viewpoints in education spaces during recent decades, and concluded by encouraging future GSD projects to proceed to be creative and inclusive in tackling gender diversity and its visibility.