Helen Sauntson

Professor Helen Sauntson is Professor of English Language and Linguistics at York St John University, where she directs the Centre for Language and Social Justice Research. She teaches undergraduate linguistics programs and the MA Postgraduate Linguistics programme, specializing in language, gender, and sexuality studies.

Her research examines classroom discourse analysis, language in educational contexts, and intersections of gender/sexuality with language use. Professor Sauntson co-edits two book series: Palgrave Studies in Language, Gender and Sexuality and Cambridge Elements in Language, Gender and Sexuality. She serves on editorial boards for the Journal of Language and Sexuality and Gender and Language journal.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals strong focus on critical discourse analysis of educational policies, particularly regarding sexuality education and LGBTQ+ inclusion. Her work consistently applies queer theory frameworks to linguistic and educational contexts, examining power dynamics in institutional discourse.

Professor Sauntson has delivered keynote addresses internationally on language, gender and sexuality research, including presentations at the Lavender Languages Conference and International Gender and Language Association conferences.