Teaching Law Students About Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Intersex Status Within Human Rights Law: Seven Principles for Curriculum Design and Pedagogy

Abstract

Over the past two decades, sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex status (SOGII) have become important aspects of human rights law. However, this reality is not widely reflected in the curriculum of human rights law programs. The reasons for this are varied but may include wariness about causing offense by using the wrong terminology or language and concern about the complexities and sensitivities surrounding different issues. This article aims to assist law school educators to overcome these concerns by providing curricular and pedagogical guidance relating to the effective and comprehensive incorporation of SOGII into a human rights law program. In particular, it provides recommendations for educators who wish to establish a stand-alone course on SOGII and human rights, as well as for those who would like to incorporate SOGII-related issues into a more general human rights law course.

Keywords: LGBTI, LGBT, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Intersex, Human Rights, Legal Education

JEL Classification: K10, K49, I24