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Queering Education: LGBTQ+ Inclusive Teaching, Queer Pedagogy, and Real Classroom Practice
Queering Education: LGBTQ+ Inclusive Teaching, Queer Pedagogy, and Real Classroom Practice
Queering Education is a podcast hosted by Bryan Stanton that focuses on LGBTQ+ inclusive teaching, queer pedagogy, and creating affirming classrooms. The show offers practical strategies for educators, connecting theory to practice through conversations, storytelling, and actionable tools. Each episode centers the lived experiences of queer educators and how they support their students. Topics include queer curriculum, equity in education, classroom culture, and navigating policy and resistance in schools.
Episodes
What Does Belonging Look Like When Working in Higher Ed? | Ep. 224 (with Renee Wells)
Renee has worked in classrooms, taught writing and literature, and now helps colleges put their commitments to equity into practice. In this conversation with Bryan, they look at the assumptions built into higher education, from who gets recognized as a leader to whose needs are considered in workplace policies.They also talk about restorative practices beyond the classroom. Renee describes how co
Who is AI Really Built For? Queering Technology | Ep. 223 (with Raj Korpan)
What happens when we stop treating technology as neutral and start asking who it was actually built to serve?In this episode, Bryan sits down with Raj Korpan, an assistant professor of computer science at Hunter College, to explore the intersection of queer identity, education, artificial intelligence, and technology ethics. Raj shares how he encourages computer science students to question the de
What If the Classroom Is the Problem? What Queering Systems Looks Like | Ep. 222 (with Rutvik Sanke)
What happens when education moves beyond textbooks, fixed classrooms, and predetermined paths?In this episode of Queering Education, Bryan Stanton sits down with architect, educator, and self-described queer nomad Rutvik Sanke to explore how identity, architecture, community, and indigenous ways of knowing can reshape the way we think about teaching and learning.Rutvik reflects on their experience
I Am Not Hiding Who I Am: Teaching, Drag, and the Right to Be Visible | Ep. 221 (with Sarabijit aka Kween Mallika)
Sarabjit “Sam” is an educator, trained pharmacist, classically trained dancer, and drag performer whose work brings together teaching, South Asian culture, queerness, and performance. In this conversation, Sam shares how bringing drag and culturally specific workshops into schools helped them recognize the power of representation—and ultimately helped lead them toward becoming a licensed teacher i
A Pride Flag Isn’t Enough Here's What Queer Students Actually Need | Ep. 220 (with Zsofia Leary)
Zsofia Leary knows what it means to move through a school system where queer identities are rarely acknowledged—and what it can mean when educators choose to create something different. An MPA student at NYU Wagner, advocate, former music teacher, and queer person raised in Indiana, Zsofia joins Bryan to talk about the connection between education policy, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and the everyday choices
Scotland Put LGBTQ+ Inclusion Into Every Subject. Here’s What Happened | Ep. 219 (with Darek Ciszek)
Tomorrow on Queering Education, Bryan Stanton sits down with Darek Ciszek, a former middle school teacher and UCLA researcher whose dissertation examines LGBTQ-inclusive education in Scotland.After watching anti-LGBTQ+ education policies spread in the United States, Darek went looking for a different model. He found one in Scotland, where LGBTQ+ inclusion has been integrated across curriculum, gra
Let's Talk About Sex(Ed), Baby! Queering Sexual Education | Ep. 218 (with Dr. Shanéa Thomas)
Tomorrow on Queering Education, Bryan Stanton sits down with Dr. Shanéa Thomas—a social worker, sexuality educator, educator, grief counselor, death doula, and Black queer nonbinary parent—for a conversation about what it really means to teach gender and sexuality inclusively.Dr. Thomas challenges the idea that queer and trans identities are exceptions we need to explain. Instead, what if we start
When Others Pulled Back, We Pushed Forward Protecting Queer Studies in Higher Ed | Ep. 217 (with Matt Brim)
What does it look like to keep doing queer and trans work in education when funding is disappearing, scholars are feeling pressure to hide what they study, and institutions are starting to pull back?Matt Brim joins me to talk about queer studies, higher education, and the work of creating space for LGBTQ+ research and scholarship. Matt is a professor of queer studies at the College of Staten Islan
Three Teachers Reported a T-Shirt And Students Weren't Present | Ep. 216 (with Alex Holdford)
Three teachers reported a T-shirt. There weren't even students in the building.That moment became one of many reminders that for nonbinary special education teacher Alex Holdford, visibility at work isn't just personal. It's political.Alex joins Bryan Stanton to share what it's like teaching in a self-contained special education classroom while navigating increasingly restricti
I Didn't Know I Could Be Queer and a Teacher | Ep. 215 (with Richard McDonald)
For many LGBTQ+ educators, the hardest lesson wasn't how to teach. It was believing there was a place for them in the classroom at all.Richard MacDonald shares how growing up under the legacy of Section 28 shaped his understanding of what it meant to be a teacher, why he believed his queer identity didn't belong at school, and the student who helped change that perspective. Now an assist
The Students Were Already Ready for this Conversation | Ep. 214 (with Max Rodriguez)
Every student deserves to see their family and themselves reflected in the classroom. But what does LGBTQ-inclusive education actually look like in an elementary school, especially in a community where support isn't guaranteed?New Jersey fourth-grade teacher Max Rodriguez (he/they) shares how he thoughtfully weaves inclusive curriculum, family representation, and social justice into everyday
Why Representation in Libraries Can Change a Child's Life | Ep. 213 (with Hunter)
A library can be more than a place to borrow books. For many young people, it can be the first place they truly see themselves.Future librarian Hunter shares why they chose librarianship after originally planning to become a social justice lawyer and explains how inclusive library collections can help children, teens, and families feel represented. Drawing from their own experiences as a queer imm
"You're Kind of My Father Figure." The Moment One Student Changed Everything | Ep. 212 (with Stephan Hoda)
A welcoming classroom doesn't happen by accident. It grows from the choices educators make every day about representation, belonging, and whose stories deserve to be told.Seventh grade science teacher Stephan Hoda joins Bryan Stanton to talk about creating affirming classrooms where queer students feel seen while every student benefits. From teaching mythology through a more inclusive lens to
How Educators Can Integrate LGBTQ History and Inclusive Teaching into Any Classroom | Ep. 211 (with Steve Koumoulis)
Bryan Stanton sits down with New Jersey educator and advocate Steve Koumoulis to explore what LGBTQ inclusive teaching actually looks like in everyday classrooms. From queer history to curriculum design, this conversation offers practical ideas for educators who want to create more inclusive classrooms through authentic storytelling rather than token representation.Steve shares his work helping br
A Queer School Counselor on LGBTQ Student Support | Ep. 210 (with Daniel Clark)
Daniel “Dan Dan” Clark joins Queering Education live from the NJEA Carol Watchler LGBTQIA+ Advocacy Conference to discuss LGBTQ-inclusive teaching, school counseling, and creating truly inclusive classrooms where students feel seen, supported, and safe. As an openly queer school counselor, Daniel shares how visibility, authenticity, and relationship-building can transform a student's experien
Using Dance and Social Justice to Create Queer Inclusive Classrooms | Ep. 209 (with Micah Gary-Fryer)
How can LGBTQ-inclusive teaching and queer pedagogy help students find their voice? In this episode of Queering Education, Bryan Stanton sits down with dance educator Micah Gary-Fryer to explore how movement, social justice, and arts education create more inclusive classrooms where students feel seen, valued, and empowered. Drawing from more than two decades in education and the performing arts, M
The Attacks Are Different. The Playbook Isn’t. What LGBTQ Educators Need to Know | Ep. 208 (with Carol Watchler)
For decades, Carol Watchler has been at the forefront of LGBTQ education advocacy, helping educators create more inclusive classrooms while navigating shifting political climates. In this conversation, she reflects on the history of queer pedagogy, LGBTQ-inclusive teaching, and the power of community in sustaining educators through challenging times.Drawing on years of experience with the New Jers
I Became the Teacher I Never Saw | Ep. 207 (with Joe Chianakas)
What does it mean to be the teacher you needed when you were young? In this episode of Queering Education, Bryan Stanton talks with educator and author Joe Chianakas about LGBTQ inclusive teaching, queer visibility, and why representation remains essential in both K–12 and higher education.Drawing on more than 25 years in education, Joe reflects on his journey from a closeted high school teacher t
“Was I Supportive Enough to Queer Students?” The Question That Changed One Teacher’s Career | Ep. 206 (with Sue Granzella)
When we talk about LGBTQ inclusive teaching, many educators assume meaningful support requires a major initiative. Sue Granzella’s story suggests something different: inclusive classrooms are often built through small, visible acts of care, consistency, and courage. In this conversation, we explore queer pedagogy, classroom inclusion, allyship, and what educators can do to better support LGBTQ stu
We Refuse to Disappear: Pushing Back Against Anti-Queer Rhetoric in Education | Ep. 205 (with sj Miller)
Host Bryan Stanton (they/them) sits down with agender educator, sj Miller (none) to discuss ways to support students navigating their identities and socialization. This episode dives into LGBTQ inclusive teaching, queer pedagogy, and the realities of building inclusive classrooms in today’s policy climate. Through lived experience and classroom practice, we explore what it actually means to show u
I Don’t Want Your Kid to Be Gay—Here’s What I Actually Want | Ep. 204 (with Christian Shearhod)
What does LGBTQ inclusive teaching actually look like in real classrooms—not theory, not policy, but day-to-day practice? This episode explores how queer pedagogy and inclusive teaching show up through kindness, boundaries, and honest conversations with students.Bryan Stanton sits down with educator Christian Shearhod to talk about what it means to create inclusive classrooms in a time when even b
Safe Space Stickers Aren’t Enough: The Truth About Allyship in Classrooms | Ep. 203 (with Shelby Hall Denney)
What does LGBTQ inclusive teaching actually look like beyond posters and policies? This episode digs into the real work of building inclusive classrooms through queer pedagogy, lived experience, and practical strategies educators can use right now.Bryan sits down with Shelby Hall Denney from PFLAG NYC’s Safe Schools program to unpack what it means to move from performative allyship to meaningful c
The Quiet Power of Just Showing Up as a Queer Teacher | Ep. 202 (with Hill Werth)
This episode dives into LGBTQ inclusive teaching, queer pedagogy, and what it really means to create inclusive classrooms—not through curriculum alone, but through presence. Featuring trans educator Hill Werth, this conversation explores how identity, visibility, and authenticity shape student experiences in powerful ways.We get into the realities of teaching while trans, navigating different educ
Start with Kindness: How Queer Educators Build Inclusive College Classrooms
In this episode of Queering Education, Bryan Stanton (they/them) sits down with Emilia (she/her), a graduate teaching assistant and first-year PhD student at the University of California Davis, to talk about discovering your teaching identity while navigating queerness, accessibility, and classroom culture.Emilia reflects on her journey from the U.S. South to a more affirming academic space, and h
How Queer Teachers Teach Inclusivity When They're Not Sure What They're Allowed To Say | Ep. 200 (with Bryan Stanton)
In this solo episode, Bryan Stanton (they/them) walks through what inclusive teaching actually looks like when policies feel vague, pressure is real, and every classroom decision carries weight. This isn’t theory—it’s what you can do tomorrow to support students while staying grounded in your professional role.If you’ve ever found yourself editing your language, second-guessing your curriculum, or
This Is Not a Culture War This Is How Students Learn | Ep. 199 (with Bryan Stanton)
What if inclusive education isn’t political—or optional—but necessary for learning itself?In this solo episode, Bryan Stanton (they/them) breaks down what’s actually happening in education right now and reframes inclusion as a core pedagogical issue, not a cultural debate. From Universal Design for Learning to culturally responsive teaching and queer pedagogy, this episode connects theory to real
How Glisten Supports LGBTQ+ Students: Resources for Teachers and GSAs | Ep. 198 (with Damon Carbajal)
In this episode of Teaching While Queer, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) sits down with Damon Carbajal (he/el), Director of Chapter Network and Program Integration at Glisten, to talk about the resources available to educators who want to better support LGBTQ+ students.From lesson plans and GSA support to affirming book programs and national student initiatives, Damon shares how Glisten is evolving
The Past Is Always Present: Bringing Queer History to Life in the Classroom | Ep. 197 (with Deb Fowler from History UnErased)
In this episode, host Bryan Stanton talks with Deb Fowler about the work of History UnErased, a nonprofit bringing LGBTQ+ history into K–12 classrooms through primary sources, theater, and creative learning.Deb shares how their project “The Past Is Always Present” helps students explore LGBTQ+ history through original plays, music, and improv exercises grounded in real historical documents. The re
Queering Research: Studying Bisexual Identity, Violence, and Academic Resistance | Ep. 196 (with Katherine Bogen)
In this episode, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) talks with Katherine Bogen (she/her), a sixth-year doctoral candidate in clinical psychology at the University of Nebraska. Katherine’s work focuses on bisexual identity, experiences of violence, and how disclosure impacts relationships and healing. She shares what it means to conduct “me-search” that honors queer lived experience—and what it felt li
Safe Isn't Enough: Why LGBTQ+ Educators Matter More Than Ever | Ep. 195 (with Dr. Michael Sadowski)
In this powerful conversation, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) speaks with Michael Sadowski about what it means to be an out educator—from coming out in job interviews in the 1990s to researching queer youth, GSAs, and the limits of “safe schools.”Michael shares his journey from theater to teaching, launching a GSA in Massachusetts, earning his doctorate, and writing extensively about LGBTQ+ youth,
Teaching While Queer in a Shifting Policy Climate | Ep. 194 (with Bryan Stanton)
In this solo episode, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) reflects on what it means to teach while queer during a moment of shifting protections, contested policies, and public scrutiny around trans inclusion in schools. As headlines intensify, so does the pressure on LGBTQ+ educators—who often find themselves acting as both teacher and shield.But this episode isn’t just about turbulence. It’s about mo
Mental Health, Queer Visibility, and Professional Risk in Education | Ep. 193 (with Dr. Clark Ausloos)
In this episode of Teaching While Queer, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) is joined by February Educator of the Month Dr. Clark Ausloos (he/him) for a deeply grounded conversation about the intersection of education, mental health, and queer identity.Dr. Ausloos shares what it looks like to teach future counselors while navigating political pressure, professional ethics, and the emotional labor of s
Working with Immigrant and Refugee Students While Queer | Ep. 192 (with Alejandro Aristizabal)
Live from the Creating Change Conference in Washington, D.C., Bryan sits down with Alejandro, a youth program assistant with Foundation Communities in Austin, Texas. Together, they explore what it means to be an openly gay educator working with immigrant and refugee youth in a state where policy often conflicts with inclusion.Alejandro shares his path from reluctant teacher to joyful mentor, how h
Pastoral Care, Student Trust, and Queer Visibility in Schools | Ep. 191 (with Danny Walker-Drake)
What does it actually look like to be an out queer educator—and just do your job?In this episode of Teaching While Queer, host Brian Stanton talks with Danny Walker-Drake, a behavior support manager at a large secondary school in southwest England, about pastoral care, student trust, and why authenticity doesn’t have to be a big announcement. Broadcasting from the Creating Change Conference, this
The future really is queer: How Queer Educator Representation Impacts Students | Ep. 190 (with Julia Lathin)
In this episode, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) talks with Julia Lathin (she/her), a lesbian art teacher in Los Angeles, about the evolution of her teaching—from closeted survival in a Michigan Catholic school with a morality clause, to building affirming, creative classrooms for queer youth in California.Listeners will learn:What it meant to teach under a “morality clause” while hiding key parts
Teaching While Trans: “I Just Decided to Be Myself” | Ep. 189 (with Rosaline Keane Kelly)
When physics and math teacher Rosaline Keane Kelly (she/her) began her teaching journey in Ireland, she didn’t yet know she was trans. Education became the mirror that helped her understand herself—and the space where she learned to lead with authenticity.In this episode, Rosaline shares what it was like to come out and transition while teaching in a religiously influenced school system, how she n
How One Gay Father Turned Pain Into a Purpose-Driven Nonprofit | Ep. 188 (with Tyson Pete)
Tyson joins Teaching While Queer to share the deeply personal journey that led him from childhood dreams of teaching, through family rejection and healing, to founding a nonprofit and homeschool program for LGBTQ+ families. His story weaves together resilience, faith, and a fierce commitment to creating the safe, affirming learning spaces he wanted for his own children.Listeners will learn:How tra
Six Promises for Queer Educators in 2026 | Ep. 187 (with Bryan Stanton)
In this New Year continuation of the December 25th reflection, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) turns from reflection to direction. This solo episode names six promises—practices, boundaries, and strategies—for queer educators in 2026, and closes with a powerful New Year’s blessing rooted in the realities of today’s classrooms.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to define success beyond survival.Ways
Educate, Advocate, Celebrate: What Queer Educators Built in 2025 | Ep. 186 (with Bryan Stanton)
This year, queer educators didn’t just survive — we built something that can outlast the moment. 🌈 In this reflective solo episode, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) revisits the major themes that shaped 2025 for LGBTQ+ teachers: quiet resistance, authentic storytelling, and the radical act of joy. From the Teaching While Queer Educators Conference to episodes that redefined advocacy, Bryan invites l
When “Inclusion” Means Erasure: Decolonizing Holiday Practices in Schools | Ep. 185 (with Bryan Stanton)
This episode is for educators — especially queer teachers, principals, and school leaders — who care deeply about real inclusion and belonging. Bryan Stanton (they/them) unpacks how well-intentioned “inclusive” classroom practices often end up reinforcing Christian dominance, sidelining Jewish, Muslim, Pagan, and secular families. Together, we’ll examine how public schools perpetuate cultural eras
How Music Educators Can Build Queer-Inclusive Classrooms | Ep. 184 (with Dr. Justin Caithaml)
For music and performing arts educators striving to create affirming spaces for every student — this episode is for you. Bryan (they/them) sits down with Dr. Justin Caithaml) (they/them), Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of Bridgeport, to explore how gender, sexuality, and policy intersect in the music classroom. Together, they unpack how queer educators can balance authen
How Queer Educators Can Interrupt Bias & Model Brave Conversations | Ep. 183 (with Sean McGill)
This episode is for teachers, school leaders, and DEI facilitators who want to create more inclusive classrooms while navigating fear, burnout, and systemic bias. Bryan (they/them) talks with Sean McGill (he/him) — a Chicago-based educator, anti-bias facilitator, and doctoral researcher — about what it means to teach, train, and show up authentically as a queer man across classrooms, police academ
How Queer Librarians Can Lead on Inclusive Literacy | Ep. 182 (with Bec Anderson)
This episode is for school librarians, elementary educators, and district leaders who want to create truly inclusive and affirming library spaces—without fear or burnout. Bryan (they/them) sits down with Bec Anderson (they/them), a nonbinary librarian from Kansas, to talk about what “Reading the Rainbow” really means, how librarians can push back against book bans, and why visibility matters in sm
Beyond Allyship — Language, Courage, and Co-Conspiracy | Ep. 181 (with Françoise Thenoux)
What does real allyship look like when the stakes are high? In this powerful episode, Bryan (they/them/elle) talks with Françoise Thenoux (she/ella) — also known as @TheWokeSpanishTeacher — about how educators can move from performative allyship to courageous co-conspiracy through inclusive, non-binary Spanish language and classroom practices.🌈 You’ll hear:How non-binary and gender-neutral Spanish
Faith, Identity & Burnout – A Gay Educator’s Journey in Catholic Schools | Ep. 180 (with Bill Hulseman)
What does it mean to be a queer teacher in a faith-based school? In this episode of Teaching While Queer, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) sits down with author and ritual designer Bill Hulseman (he/him) to explore his path from Catholic school teacher to educational leader to full-time ritualist and writer.• Navigating authenticity and inclusion as a gay man in Catholic education• How ritual, faith
Stories Are Strategy – Reflections from the Queer Educators Conference | Ep. 179 (with Host Bryan Stanton)
In this special episode of Teaching While Queer, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) reflects on the inaugural Teaching While Queer Educators Conference, held on October 11, 2025—a global gathering of queer educators, allies, and advocates transforming education through authenticity and collective care.• “Belonging isn’t just entering the room—it’s redesigning it.” • How storytelling became a tool for
Teaching Truth in Dangerous Times: Queer History, Resistance, and Radical Hope | Ep. 178 (with Rodney C. Wilson)
“I had to become a fully integrated person—same at home, same in class, same everywhere—or I couldn’t keep teaching.”In this powerful conversation, Bryan sits down with Rodney Wilson, the Missouri educator who founded LGBTQ+ History Month and made history as the first openly gay K–12 Missouri teacher to come out to his students. Together, they unpack the intersections of queer identity, teaching,
The Cost of Visibility Why LGBTQ+ Educators Are Under Fire | Ep. 177 (with Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr.)
They called him a danger just for existing as a gay teacher—then they went after his students.In this powerful replay, Kentucky Teacher of the Year Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr. shares his story of being relentlessly targeted by groups like Moms for Liberty and the systemic failures that put queer teachers and students at risk. From book bans and “parental rights” laws to death threats and haras
The Extra Burden of Being a Queer Teacher Nobody Talks About | Ep. 176 (with Timothy Chavez)
Queer teachers face double scrutiny—and yet our visibility can be the lifeline students need.In this conversation, Spanish teacher Timothy Chavez (@CommunicativeTeacher418) shares what it means to bring queerness into the classroom—not as a lesson plan, but as a lived truth. With over a decade in education, Timothy opens up about navigating scrutiny, reclaiming inclusive language in Spanish, and t
Six Ways Queer Teachers Can Protect Their Energy and Stay in the Classroom | Ep. 175 (with Host Bryan Stanton)
Self-care isn’t bubble baths — for queer teachers, it’s survival in a world trying to push us out of classrooms. In this solo episode of Teaching While Queer, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) lays out what authentic, practical self-care looks like for LGBTQ+ educators navigating burnout, political attacks, and the daily emotional labor of being visible in schools.You’ll learn:Six concrete self-care
Joy Is Resistance How Queer Teachers Are Building a Movement | Ep. 174 (with Host Bryan Stanton)
Celebration is advocacy—and when queer educators gather, we refuse to be erased. In this solo episode, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) shares everything you need to know about the upcoming Teaching While Queer Queer Educators Conference 2025, happening October 11th, National Coming Out Day.This isn’t just another professional development event—it’s a day of community, courage, and celebration where
Teaching the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as Queer Resistance | Ep. 173 (with Host Bryan Stanton)
Queer educators are not just teaching the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—they’re living it, every time they step into the classroom.This episode is for every teacher who’s ever asked, “How do I teach justice when my own visibility feels at risk?”We dive into the power of teaching the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) through a queer lens. This episode explores how LGBTQ+ teachers
What Schools Miss About LGBTQ+ History and Why It Matters | Ep. 172 (with Robert Keston)
“If we don’t tell queer history, students grow up with fake education—and fake history is the foundation of oppression.”In this episode, Robert Keston, President & CEO of the Stonewall National Museum Archives & Library in Fort Lauderdale, shares how queer educators can resist erasure and fight for visibility in schools. From his activism during the AIDS crisis to leading one of the larges
171. How Humor Creates Safe Spaces for Queer Educators & Students in Unexpected Places
Sometimes the most impactful lessons happen far from a traditional classroom. In this conversation, comedian, writer, and educator Tim Murray shares what it’s like teaching improv and stand-up comedy inside rehab facilities — from working with queer teens navigating anxiety and identity to setting boundaries with adults.We talk about what authenticity really means for LGBTQ+ teachers, why joy and
170. Start the Year Queer: Real Back-to-School Strategies for LGBTQ+ Teachers
“You don’t have to be perfect to be inclusive—just keep trying, keep listening, and keep loving your students fiercely.”Back-to-school season is here, and for queer teachers, the first weeks can feel like both an opportunity and a battleground. In this episode of Teaching While Queer, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) shares proven strategies to create a classroom where every LGBTQ+ student—and every
169. When the World Says "No" Queer Teachers Should Queer Everything!
Queerness isn’t just what we are—it’s how we teach, breathe, and survive, even when the world tries to shut us down.In this solo recap, Bryan Stanton (they/them) unpacks Maya Gonzalez’s transformative approach to education, creativity, and queer resilience—rooted in four decades of lived experience as a queer femme artist, educator, and creator of the Gender Wheel. Whether you’re a queer teacher,
168. Beyond Safe Spaces Reclaiming Queer Identity and Power in Education
“I’m a queer educator who teaches queerly about queer stuff—everything is queer-focused for me.”How do you bring your whole queer self into teaching when schools still expect you to hide? In this episode, Maya Gonzalez—pioneering queer children’s book author and creator of the Gender Wheel—reveals what it means to be deeply, unapologetically queer as an educator. Drawing from decades of living and
167. If Other Teachers Get to Do It, So Can I: One Queer Band Director’s Fight for Equal Treatment
“If other teachers get to do it, why can’t I?”Band director Rachel Colby lives this question every day as a proudly out bisexual teacher in rural Virginia. In this episode, we dive deep into the joys and risks of LGBTQ+ visibility in schools, the daily dance between honesty and self-protection, and why setting boundaries with students is an act of love—not fear.You’ll hear:The real stories behind
166. Queer Band Directors, Bi Erasure, and the Battle for Visibility in Rural Schools
"If other teachers can show off their families, why can’t I have a photo of my wife on my desk?"What does authentic queer visibility really look like in schools where “everyone is welcome” can spark controversy? In this candid conversation, bisexual band director Rachel Colby shares the real-life highs and lows of being out as an LGBTQ+ teacher in rural Southwestern Virginia. We dive int
165. Affirming LGBTQ+ Students Means More than Just Surviving Right Now
“If we’re surpassing the safety of children to satisfy community attitudes, then we’re failing—period.”This episode of Teaching While Queer dives deep into the lived realities of queer teachers and LGBTQ+ allies fighting for truly inclusive schools in 2025. Drawing on Bryan’s conversation with Josh Qua, a queer educator and special education coordinator in New Orleans, we tackle the urgent need fo
164. Empathy Is Not Optional for Pride and Queer Visibility in Our Schools
If you’re more uncomfortable with two dads at Pride than with hate signs outside a school, you’re missing the real danger for queer kids.In this raw, urgent episode, two LGBTQ+ educators pull back the curtain on the real cost of “otherness” in America’s classrooms. We go deep on how queer teachers navigate the Bible Belt, what happens when mentioning LGBTQ+ even gets banned, and why true inclusion
163. What Happens When Queer Educators Bring Radical Empathy Into Graduate Classrooms
“Our presence in the classroom is revolutionary, even if all you do is show up with your nails painted.”In this powerful episode, we dive deep with Lisa Salvador (she/they) and Dr. Fran McLean (she/they), two out queer educators whose work in graduate mental health programs is shaking up what it means to be visible, caring, and unapologetically themselves in higher ed.Join us as we unpack why quee
162. Why Queer Educators Make the Best Allies in the Classroom
“I didn’t always get the lesbian nod—but I’ve always been a queer teacher.”In this heartfelt Pride Month conversation, Brian sits down with Fran McClain and Lisa Salvadore—partners in life and the classroom—to explore how their queerness shapes their work in higher education, mental health, and sex education.This episode is for every LGBTQ+ teacher who's ever felt unseen, every student who ne
161. Fear Is Not Policy Queer Teachers Must Stop Pre-Complying
Pre-compliance is the quiet killer of queer visibility in schools—don’t hand them your silence.In this charged episode, we unpack three major 2025 court rulings—from the U.S. to the U.K.—and what they do and don’t mean for LGBTQ+ teachers. If you’re feeling pressure to erase queer content, change your classroom, or withdraw support for trans students, stop. You are not alone—and you're likely
160. Queer, Married, and Still Teaching Even as the World Burns
“We eloped because we were scared—scared of what would happen when the new administration took over.”In this powerful follow-up, queer Latina art teacher Sharon Tang returns to share the deeply personal and undeniably political story behind her marriage, her homeownership journey, and the emotional toll of teaching during a time of cultural crisis. From zine-making as resistance to students healin
159. Teaching While Queer Is a Lifeline, Not a Liability
Your authenticity is not small—it’s a radical act of defiance.In this heartfelt solo episode, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) reflects on five transformative lessons from their conversation with queer icon Jeffrey Marsh. Together, they explore what it means to teach with joy, show the seams of your process, and create classrooms that radically affirm LGBTQ+ identity. For queer educators and LGBTQ+
158. The Cruel Things They Say Mean Nothing to Healed LGBTQ+ Teachers
“You’re not doing a little podcast—what you do is not little.”In this heartfelt Pride Month episode, host Bryan Stanton and viral educator Jeffrey Marsh dive into what it means to teach, live, and lead while queer—especially in a world that seems to both need us and fear us. This episode is a love letter to LGBTQ+ teachers navigating doxing, isolation, and the politicization of their existence.Lea
157. Quiet Resistance, Loud Impact: Queer Teacher Visibility in Hostile Schools
You don’t have to wave a flag to be radical—but you do have to survive. In this special solo episode, host Bryan Stanton shares five transformative takeaways from his conversation with Jed Dearybury—LGBTQ+ educator, illustrator, and champion of joy in South Carolina schools. This is for every queer teacher navigating visibility, safety, and joy under pressure.In this episode, you will:Learn how “q
156. When Politicians Come After Queer Educators: Navigating Safety, Censorship, and Survival
Jed Dearybury faced death threats and political attacks—just for being a gay educator who spoke the truth.In this searing episode, Jed shares how being visible as a queer teacher in South Carolina put a target on his back—from right-wing Twitter mobs to local politicians who openly threatened his job and safety. Despite the harassment, Jed continues to teach, speak, and advocate with joy, humor, a
155. Queer Educators Are Done Waiting for Permission to Be Seen
Pride Month ends—but your queerness doesn’t.For queer educators, June often brings rainbow logos and empty gestures—while silence reigns inside the school walls. In this episode of Teaching While Queer, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) digs deep into what it means to reclaim Pride as a daily practice of resistance, authenticity, and survival.You’ll learn:How to transform performative Pride into mean
154. She Was Investigated for a Rainbow Sticker: A Queer Teacher’s Fight for Joy
She was investigated three times—for creating a safe space where kids could be seen. In this searing conversation, queer elementary teacher and mom Adriana Tune shares what it’s really like to show up as your full self in a conservative district. We unpack what true allyship means, how institutional fear erases queer families, and why queer visibility in elementary schools is both powerful and ris
153. How Queer Educators Can Reclaim Pride as a Daily Practice Even When Schools Stay Silent
Pride Month can feel hollow when your school ignores your existence. For queer educators, visibility isn’t just a celebration—it’s survival. In this episode, Bryan Stanton (they/them) unpacks how to reclaim Pride as a purposeful, daily practice when your institution stays silent.With both tenderness and tenacity, Bryan speaks directly to queer teachers navigating erasure, fear, and exhaustion. Thi
152. "I Wasn't Even Out to My Union": The Hidden Lives of Queer Teachers
“I wasn’t even out to my union.” That single admission reveals the quiet, daily compromises many queer educators make. This episode pulls back the curtain on the hidden emotional labor and risks faced by LGBTQ+ teachers in today’s climate.In this episode, you will:Discover how coming out can transform an educator’s relationship with their students and coworkersLearn the personal costs of staying c
151. 5 Simple Shifts to Transform your Classroom into a Queer-Affirming Space
What if just five small shifts could radically change how your students feel seen, safe, and celebrated in your classroom? In this episode of Teaching While Queer, Bryan Stanton breaks down five transformative practices inspired by his powerful interview with theater educator Tim Cusick.These aren't abstract theories—they're real, actionable changes that can turn any classroom into a que
150. Why Theater Departments Still Struggle With Queer Representation Despite Their Inclusive Reputation
What happens when queer identity, vulnerability, and education collide in a college theater classroom? This episode dives into the powerful intersection of pedagogy, queerness, and the transformative potential of performance.Join adjunct theater lecturer Tim Cusick as he shares how his experiences in queer youth theater and his own identity shape his inclusive approach to teaching. From students u
149. The Hidden Power of Queer Joy in Education
What if the most radical thing you could bring into your classroom isn’t resistance—but joy? In this celebration-filled episode of Teaching While Queer, Bryan Stanton flips the script on traditional trauma narratives in education and makes the case for joy as a transformative force in queer pedagogy.Too often, we focus solely on surviving oppressive systems. But what happens when we center laughte
148. Stop Praising Resilience: How It’s Killing Queer Educators
What if praising queer educators for being “resilient” is actually just another way to keep them exhausted and unsupported? In this episode of Teaching While Queer, host Bryan Stanton pulls back the curtain on the myth of resilience — especially for queer educators who are trans, nonbinary, BIPOC, or multiply marginalized. Through personal stories, critical insights, and tangible strategies, Bryan
147: 3 Ways Queer Educators Can Build Safe Classrooms With Their Story & Identity
Are you a queer educator struggling to balance authenticity with classroom safety—and wondering if sharing your story can actually build trust?In this episode, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) explores how embracing your queer identity and personal narrative can create safer, more inclusive learning environments—without putting yourself at risk. Drawing inspiration from educator and paranormal mediu
146. How a Paranormal Medium Built a Queer-Inclusive Learning Community Through Spirit & Story
What if building an inclusive classroom started with sharing your personal truth—and the voices from beyond?In this episode, Rob Gutro, a queer paranormal medium and adult educator, reveals how he weaves spirit communication, lived experience, and openness into his classroom to create a radically inclusive and trusting space for learners of all backgrounds—especially LGBTQ+ adults.In this episode,
145. Why “Self-Care” Is Failing Queer Educators—and What Real Support Looks Like
What if the people building safe spaces in schools are the ones who feel the least safe?In this deeply personal episode, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) explores the emotional and professional toll of being a queer educator in a system not designed to protect—or even acknowledge—you. If you’ve ever felt like teaching as your full self comes at a cost, this episode will resonate hard.In this episode
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