Empowering sexually diverse EFL students: Embracing diversity in the english language classroom towards a more inclusive learning community through complementary strategies and activities to work with sexually diverse classrooms at Liceo de Santo Domingo, Heredia

Abstract

The ultimate purpose of discussing sexually diverse issues in the foreign language classroom is to improve educational and coexistence outcomes. Teaching education agendas oriented towards the embracement of sexually diverse students is the appropriate setting for assisting educators, students, the administration, and parents in anticipating gender misunderstandings in the classroom, devising innovative solutions, working towards respectful understanding and interaction, and igniting real academic investigation in an scarcely explored field. This paper considers gender, diversity across the current public Costa Rican education system, and how misconceptions might impact the students' academic performance and affective development. Additionally, it aims at welcoming and supporting sexually diverse students in EFL classes to create a more accepting environment. Finally, in order to supplement the current Costa Rican conversational English curriculum, tactics and exercises for teachers will be suggested to support teachers in assisting their students and the learning community in understanding, accepting, and celebrating gender diversity.