Think of the children: Rejecting the moral panic narrative and embracing LGBTQA+ inclusive and affirming education
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Abstract
Growing up on Menang Noongar boodja (Kinjarling/Albany, Western Australia) in the 1990s and 2000s, where discriminatory attitudes and limited visibility and language around queerness, meant the author didn’t have the words to describe their queer and transgender identity until they moved away as an adult. Witnessing Kinjarling’s LGBTQA+ community flourish from afar has brought them joy and healing over the years. However, resistance to progress persists. In 2024, a local group, backed by commentary from a local councillor, claimed LGBTQA+ affirming books in the local library and local pride events targeted and sexualised children, resulting in national attention. Groups like this spread harmful misinformation and disinformation, emboldened by a vocal, powerful, and global far-right minority intent on demonising LGBTQA+ people and restricting young people’s access to inclusive and affirming information. This chapter uses an autoethnographic approach to demonstrate how LGBTQA+ inclusive literature and education can positively shape identity, foster belonging and advance more equitable and responsive learning environments. Furthermore, it will provide educators with recommended reading for students; a list of books the author wishes they had growing up, offered in the hope that future generations can see themselves, and be seen, much sooner.
Keywords
anti-trans disinformation, gender diversity, LGBTQA+, LGBTQA+ inclusive education, sexuality education, transgender
Document Type
Book Chapter
Date of Publication
1-1-2026
Publication Title
Rainbow Futures in Research and Teaching: Queering Methodology and Pedagogy in Australia
Publisher
Emerald
School
Access and Equity
RAS ID
100226
ISBN
[9781837082698, 9781837082681, 9781837082704]
Copyright
subscription content
First Page
53
Last Page
70
Recommended Citation
Lane, S. (2026). Think of the children: Rejecting the moral panic narrative and embracing LGBTQA+ inclusive and affirming education. In J. Chen, W. Cumming-Potvin, & B. McKenzie (Eds.), Rainbow futures in research and teaching: Queering methodology and pedagogy in Australia. Emerald Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83708-268-120261015