Review: Queer Pedagogies: Do we risk doing another education?, by Mercedes Sánchez: Reseña de Sánchez Sáinz, M. (2019). Pedagogías queer. Editorial Catarata

Abstract

The review is based on the book Queer Pedagogies: Do we risk doing another education?, by Mercedes Sánchez, a Spanish activist and teacher. In this book, the author analyzes the situation of the current educational system, questioning the discourses and institutionalized practices around identities and diversity. According to Sánchez, the school replicates and supports the different practices of exclusion and discrimination that are present in society, promoting and validating homophobia, classism, racism, ableism, ethnocentrism, and excluding everyone who is outside the hegemonic social values. However, it also states schools can be transformative spaces that enable other realities and knowledge. Based on this idea, the author’s objective is to provide a set of guidelines or key ideas for teachers at any educational stage to put queer pedagogies into practice. With this purpose, it develops ideas around key elements of the educational system such as educational policies, teacher training, the school curriculum, textbooks, the organization of school spaces and the role of teachers. On these different topics, the author combines theoretical notes, reflective questions, strategies and practical exercises that, together, provide teachers with knowledge and resources for the application of queer pedagogies in their classroom and school.