Understanding Diversity & Inclusion in the Language Classroom: reflections from Dublin

With support from the Eaquals Member Event Fund, Bridge Mills Galway Language Centre and ATC Dublin hosted Understanding Diversity & Inclusion in the Language Classroom on 28 February 2026 in Dublin. The event focused on practical ways to support LGBTQIA+ inclusion in ELT classrooms.

The aim was simple: give teachers clear, usable strategies they can apply immediately.

What teachers worked on

The sessions focused on real classroom practice rather than theory. Participants worked directly with teaching materials and typical classroom scenarios to identify gaps and improve inclusivity.

Key areas included:

• reviewing adult ELT materials to identify missing identities and perspectives
• integrating LGBTQIA+ representation into everyday lessons
• handling inclusion-related situations in class
• adapting existing materials rather than replacing them

Key takeaway: start with your materials

A consistent message across the day was that inclusion often starts with what we already use in class.

Teachers identified that many coursebooks still lack diverse representation. However, the focus was on practical fixes, not complete redesigns.

Useful approaches shared:

• adjust names, roles or relationships in examples
• add follow-up questions that broaden perspectives
• challenge assumptions in texts or images
• supplement with short, inclusive real-world content

Inclusion in everyday teaching

Another key insight was that inclusive practice does not need to be a separate lesson topic.

Instead, it can be embedded into:

• speaking activities (e.g. inclusive prompts)
• listening/reading tasks (e.g. diverse contexts)
• classroom discussions (e.g. neutral, open language)

Learning from lived experience

The event included input from the Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI), made possible by the Eaquals Member Event Fund.

This gave participants:

• a clearer understanding of LGBTQIA+ learner perspectives
• practical guidance on respectful and appropriate language
• more confidence in addressing questions in class

Why the Eaquals Member Event Fund mattered

The fund had a direct impact on the event’s reach and quality:

• free access for all ELT practitioners (Eaquals and non-Eaquals)
• external expert contribution (TENI)
• time and space for professional exchange

It also supported collaboration between ATC Dublin and Bridge Mills Galway Language Centre, strengthening links between Eaquals members.

Bottom line

The conference reinforced a key idea for ELT professionals:

Inclusive classrooms are built through small, consistent changes to materials, language and classroom practice, not large-scale redesign.

That makes inclusion achievable in any teaching context.