Creating Relating Stories: Fragmentating the Social Fabric of Heteronormativity through Critical Media Literacies

Abstract

The problematics of social and academic participation for gender diverse and lgbtqi+ youth in school communities is highlighted by the stigmatising relational dynamics which often become the dominant narrative in educational domains. This paper discusses the creation of a critical literacy/media product which arose from a year 7 level curriculum project in which students were invited to seek solutions to address a problem about which they cared. In 2021 a group of Australian secondary school students undertook an investigation into gender diversity and lgbtqi+ inclusion. In partnership with teachers and pre-service teachers they co-designed an animation on gender identity opening up wider discussion of ‘orientations and dispositions’ and generating critique around issues of social justice, democracy, equality and inclusion in and out of the classroom.