Rainbow Futures in Research and Teaching

Queering Methodology and Pedagogy in Australia

Julian Chen|Wendy Cumming-Potvin|Bri McKenzie
Emerald
Emerald

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Hardback
9781837082698
11 August 2026
$110.00
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9781837082681
21 July 2026
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9781837082704
21 July 2026
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  • Description
  • Contents
  • About

In a world that is predominately shaped by cis-/heteronormative binaries, LGBTQIA+ communities are under regular attack in life, studies, and at work. Given the importance of promoting and affirming diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the current educational landscape, there is a growing movement in queering research and curriculum. Rejecting the rigidity of cis-/heteronormative frameworks, these approaches allow for more inclusive and equitable practices in research and pedagogy.

Rainbow Futures in Research and Teaching showcases pioneering work from queer scholars and allies in Australia, offering a unique exploration of how queering methodologies can be applied across disciplines. Queering methodology and pedagogy challenges and breaks down strict, binary and hierarchical ideas about gender and sexuality. The authors of this edited collection address urgent issues such as the ongoing marginalisation of LGBTQIA+ communities in education and society, and highlight the role of queer-inclusive research and teaching in promoting DEI. Contributors span a range of fields and disciplines – from Social Sciences to the Humanities, to STEM and Indigenous Studies, as well as norm-defying and creative contributions. This holistic approach provides a multifaceted technique to disrupt cis-/heteronormativity in education and scholarly research.

For those committed to challenging the status quo, from researchers to educators and advocates, this edited collection helps advance inclusive and creative practices that resist normative approaches to research and writing. Providing concrete examples of queering methodologies and heartfelt lived experiences authors equip readers with the rainbow toolkit to foster real-world change in their given field.

Chapter 1. A Rainbow Mission for Queering Down Under: An Introduction; Julian Chen, Wendy Cumming-Potvin, and Bri McKenzie

  • Part I. Queer Narratives and Critical Creative Approaches
  • Chapter 2. ‘Don’t you Dare Erase This’: Research in the Queer Borderlands; Misty Farquhar OAM
  • Chapter 3. Dear Teachers: A Love Letter to LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity in Schools; Kim Andreassen and Sal Blakemore
  • Chapter 4. Think of the Children: Rejecting the Moral Panic Narrative and Embracing LGBTQA+ Inclusive and Affirming Education; Stevie Lane
  • Chapter 5. ‘Not your Usual Research Fantasy’: Let's Kiki, Queer the Convo, and Sashay away from Tired Teaching Norms Because...The Library is Open!; Julian Chen, Bri McKenzie, Kim Andreassen, and Wendy Cumming-Potvin
  • Part II. Queering Education and Curriculum
  • Chapter 6. Queer Bodies as Disrupting Forces in Catholic School Workplaces: LGBQ Teachers and the Pedagogies of Silence; Alexandra Ciaffaglione
  • Chapter 7. Neuroqueering Curriculum: Mapping Methods and Possibilities; Siobhan Unwin
  • Chapter 8. Queering the Research Cycle: Exploring Genders and Sexualities with Higher Degree Education Research Students; Lisa van Leent
  • Chapter 9. Entrenched Omission: Reproductive Education Shortfalls in the Australian Curriculum and LGBTQIA+ Invisibility; Nicholas Fimognari and Sarah Vrankovich
  • Part III. Queering Human/Animal Companionship
  • Chapter 10. Entangled Relations Beyond the Binaries: Queering Methodology with more than Human-Animal Relations; Mark Vicars and Robyn Broadbent
  • Chapter 11. Queering Animal-Human Companionship Research; Claudia Ciccarello and Damien W. Riggs
  • Part IV. Queer Young People and Mental Health
  • Chapter 12. Poofy and Freckles: Un/belonging in the Australian School System; David Rhodes
  • Chapter 13. Creative and Collaborative Approaches to Working with Gender and Sexuality Diverse Children and Young People: Research, Pedagogy, Knowledge Translation, and Policy; Kerry H. Robinson, Aleasa Kermode, and Cristyn Davies

Julian Chen (they/them) is an Associate Professor of Applied Linguistics/TESOL and the Course Coordinator of Asian Languages at the School of Education, Curtin University.

Wendy Cumming-Potvin (she /her) is Professor and Executive Lead of Research in the School of Education, Murdoch University, Western Australia.

Bri McKenzie (she/her) is a professional learning designer and LGBTQIA+ inclusive education advocate working in Curtin University’s Learning Innovation and Teaching Excellence Centre.