John Hudson, UHD director of the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and coach of the powerlifting team, published an article titled, "Breaking the Silence: Toward Improving LGBTQ Representation in Composition Readers" in a journal titled, Composition Forum.

Article abstract -

Lesbian-Gay-Bisexual-Transgender-Queer (LGBTQ) representation in composition readers remains limited and is frequently nonexistent. In addition, the LGBTQ-related materials that do find their way into composition readers are often problematic. In this essay I explain why WPAs and composition teachers should be concerned about LGBTQ representation in composition readers, and offer suggestions as to the kinds of LGBTQ content to include in readers that might then be used as part of an anti-homophobic pedagogy. I argue that WPAs and composition teachers can take specific steps—both within their composition programs and without—to move us, along with publishers, toward improving LGBTQ representation in our textbooks and in our classrooms. By doing so, we can help shape composition readers that are more inclusive and more representative of LGBTQ subjectivities, while also creating more inclusive and welcoming classroom environments for our LGBTQ students.

To read the article, click here.

Composition Forum is a journal of the Association of Teachers of Advanced Composition

and is published with the support and generous financial assistance of Penn State University.