Season 5, Episode 4 This week we are joined by Dr Kevin Guyan to discuss his new book Rainbow Trap: Queer Lives, Classifications, and the Dangers of Inclusion . Kevin is a writer and researcher whose work explores the intersection of data and identity. He is the author of Rainbow Trap and the brilliant Queer Data: Using Gender, Sex and Sexuality Data for Action. Kevin is a Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Edinburgh and Director of the Gender + Sexuality Data Lab. Recommendations discusse...
Jul 19, 2025•49 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Season 5, Episode 3 This week we are joined by Dr Jack Bryne Stothard and Dr Ben Johnson to discuss the life and work of Michel Foucault. Michel Foucault (1926–1984) was a French philosopher, historian, social theorist, and literary critic, widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. His work explored the relationship between power, knowledge, and social institutions, and he challenged many traditional ideas about how societies function. Recommendations discussed...
Jul 12, 2025•56 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Season 5, Episode 2 This week we are joined by the incredible Professor Eleanor Formby. Eleanor is Professor of Sociology and Youth Studies at Sheffield Hallam University and joins us to discuss her extensive research into LGBTQ+ inclusive education, youth work, and the challenges and opportunities within school environments. Eleanor's new book is available to buy here: Homophobic, Biphobic and Transphobic Bullying and LGBT Inclusion in English Schools. We love to hear your feedback, so please r...
Jul 02, 2025•51 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Season 5, Episode 1 This new season of Pride and Progress is going to focus on LGBTQ+ research, and there is no better place to begin than with the newly-published book: ' The Guide to LGBTQ+ Research '. In this episode we discuss the value of LGBTQ+ research, and reflect with the editors of the book Dr Adam Brett and Professor Catherine Lee , as well as contributors to the book Dr Alex Baird , Lis Bundock , and Dr Kayden J. Schumacher . If you found this episode interesting, you may want to joi...
Jun 21, 2025•50 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Season 4, Episode 11 This special live episode was recorded at our virtual event: Celebrating 20 Years of LGBT+ History Month UK. The event was hosted by Pride & Progress, in collaboration with founders of LGBT+ History Month UK, Schools OUT. During the event, we hear how LGBT+ History Month was founded from co-founder and Chair of Schools OUT Sue Sanders; how it has developed and grown over 20 years from Chair of Trustees for Schools OUT Lynne Nicholls; and we explore the theme for 2025 wit...
Jan 23, 2025•54 min•Season 4Ep. 11
Season 4, Episode 10 In our final episode of the series, we share a conversation recorded earlier in the year with the wonderful Bennie Kara on behalf of Myatt & Co and Diverse Educators. In this discussion, Bennie asks us about the work of Pride & Progress, exploring how the podcast has grown to become a book and wider network of support. We end the discussion by sharing some of the exciting changes coming to the podcast next year! Please note this podcast was recorded a while ago, and ...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Season 4, Episode 9 This week we bring to you an episode exploring Faith, Religion, & LGBT+ Identity. To explore this theme we are joined by three LGBT+ people of faith: Sabah, Natasha, & George (you can read their full bios below). In this conversation we explore the strength of LGBT+ people of faith, the tensions that can occur between LGBT+ people and faith communities, and how we can work through compassionate conversations towards a greater understanding of each other. We recognise ...
Dec 14, 2024•45 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Season 4, Episode 8 This week we bring you an episode that was recorded live at the University of Nottingham. Adam is joined by Dr Jake Hodder and Dr Kieran Phelan to discuss the topic of culture wars and the work of Pride & Progress. We love to hear your feedback, so please rate and review this episode. You can also follow us on socials @PrideProgress. Thanks for listening! www.prideprogress.co.uk
Nov 21, 2024•34 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Season 4, Episode 7 This week we are talking all things Heartstopper Season 3 with friend of the show Aisling Walters (she/her). We discuss our favourite characters, favourite moments, and some of the deeper themes of the new season. In this episode we revisit our interview with Fisayo Akinade (her/him), who plays Mr Ajayi in Heartstopper, and we share a brand new interview with Ash Self (he/him), who plays Felix in the show. We love to hear your feedback, so please rate and review this episode....
Oct 13, 2024•37 min
Season 4, Episode 6 This week we bring to you a special episode of Pride & Progress recorded live at the Just Like Us Awards in London. We were invited by Just Like Us to capture the event in this special podcast episode where we will be talking about the work of Just Like Us, and why celebrations like this awards night are so important. In this episode you will hear from a range of guests and speakers, below are the details for each of them. Laura MacKay, CEO Just Like Us https://www.justli...
Jul 12, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Season 4, Episode 5 This week we are joined by Professor Catherine Lee (MBE) (she/her) and Dr Ben Johnson (he/him) to discuss the topic of LGBT+ Research. Ben and Catherine are both former teachers and now academics who research a variety of LGBT+ topics including panoptic heteronormativity, Section 28 and its impact, and LGBT+ teacher professional identity. In this fascinating conversation, we discuss the importance of LGBT+ research, what the latest census tells us, the emancipatory potential ...
Apr 23, 2024•54 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Season 4, Episode 4 This week we are trying something a bit different and have invited four fantastic guests to take over the show to discuss the topic of allyship and advocacy. We are joined by Claire Bale (she/her), author of the racial diversity and inclusion blog, https://thatsabitracey.com/ , and EDI lead for a large Trust; Shonagh Reid (she/her), former teacher and senior leader and now director of Spotlight Inclusion, https://spotlightinclusion.co.uk ; Adrian McLean (he/him) an EDI spea...
Mar 23, 2024•49 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Season 4, Episode 3 This week we discuss the important topic of positive representation in inclusive books and stories. We are joined by a brilliant panel of experts including authors Dean Atta (he/him), Sarah Hagger-Holt (she/her), and Ollie Pike (he/him) as well as educator Becky Shewell (she/her) - the creator of the Shewell Intersectionalitree database. During the episode we explore representation, how this has changed over time, and what we hope to see next. You can find out more about our ...
Mar 06, 2024•57 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Season 4, Episode 2 This week we discuss the important topic of Pride Groups, exploring the impact they can have, and the logistics of successfully running one.We are joined by a brilliant panel made up of Frankie Cowper (she/they) from Just Like Us, Edel Cronin (she/her) and Lois Nethersell-Webb (she/her), authors of the upcoming book 'The Secondary School Guide to Pride', and Charlotte Clark (she/they) who runs a successful Pride Group.You can learn more about Just Like Us's Pride Groups Progr...
Feb 24, 2024•53 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Season 4, Episode 1 We were invited to join the NEU's LGBT+ Educators' Conference 2024 in Birmingham. The theme for the conference this year was 'Celebrate, Educate, and Protect Together'. In this episode we capture the conference by speaking with organisers, guests, and stall holders about the importance of each word in that theme. Thanks for listening to this Pride & Progress special episode!(During this episode we reference Becky's resource for intersectional representation in books - you...
Feb 04, 2024•48 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Season 3, Episode 14 Section 28 was an amendment to the Local Government Act of 1988, which prohibited local authorities from intentionally 'promoting homosexuality', or promoting the 'acceptibility of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship'. This legislation came into place in 1988, and planted fear into our educational spaces. For years, Section 28 created a culture of silence around LGBT+ identities in our schools, and for many LGBT+ people, this silence became shame. Section 28 was...
Nov 18, 2023•55 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Season 3, Episode 13 This week we are talking all things Heartstopper with a variety of voices from our Pride & Progress Community including special guest and friend of the show Aisling Walters (she/her). We explore your favourite characters, favourite moments, and ask why you think shows like this are important. We love to hear your feedback, so please rate and review this episode. You can also follow us on Instagram & Twitter/X @PrideProgress. You can find links to other Pride & Pr...
Aug 18, 2023•47 min
Season 3, Episode 12 This week we have assembled an incredible panel of guests to discuss the topic of 'queering leadership'. Our panel is made up of four inspirational leaders from different sectors of education: David Weston (he/him) from the charity sector, Alex Baird (they/them) from HE, Richard McDonald (he/him) from secondary, and Holly Coull (she/her) from primary. In this episode, we discuss what can be learnt from leaders who belong to the LGBT+ community, and how we can challenge, or q...
Aug 05, 2023•59 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Season 3, Episode 11 In this conversation, we are joined by the brilliant Abena Akuffo-Kelly (she/her).Abena wears many hats, but she joins us in this conversation as an educator, speaker, union activist, mentor and coach. We first met Abena when we saw her deliver a session on exploring Unconscious Bias. The session was fantastic, and we wanted to bring it to our audience through this episode. In this episode we explore what unconscious bias looks like in theory, in practice, and in action. -We...
Jul 24, 2023•44 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Season 3, Episode 10 This week we speak with the brilliant Klaudia Matasovska (she/her).Klaudia is a PhD researcher at Goldsmiths University of London and an Associate Lecturer at the University of Derby, and she joins us in this episode to discuss the intersection of LGBT+ and SEND. Klaudia shares with us fascinating and important findings from her research, as well as advice and good practice for how we can support LGBT+ SEND students.We love to hear your feedback, so please rate and review th...
Jul 01, 2023•48 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Season 3, Episode 9 This week we bring you a special panel episode discussing LGBT+ parents and families. Our panel is made up of three brilliant educators, all of whom are LGBT+ parents. Join us to explore the challenges and joys of LGBT+ families with Bennie Kara (she/her - @BennieKara), Peter Jardine-Wight (he/him - @WightPJ), and Claire Neaves (she/her - @ClaireNeaves). We love to hear your feedback, so please rate and review this episode and you can also follow us on Twitter & Instagram...
Jun 17, 2023•45 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Season 3, Episode 8 This week we celebrate the launch of our book 'Pride & Progress: Making Schools LGBT+ Inclusive Spaces'!In this special episode, we welcome back the third member of Pride & Progress, George White (he/him), who interviews us about the book, and then later in the episode, we go to the in-person book launch held in Nottingham earlier this week. You will hear the brilliant panel discussion from the book launch featuring George, and friends of the show and former guests, A...
Jun 03, 2023•58 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Season 3, Episode 7 This week we speak with Olly Pike (he/him). Olly is is the Director of Pop'n'Olly - an LGBT+ edutainment resource for children, parents, carers and teachers. Olly's videos and books are being used in homes and primary schools across the UK and beyond to help combat homophobia and transphobia before it can begin to develop. In this episode we discuss Olly's stories, and the power they have to show young people a wider variety of ways to be. You can find all of Olly's resources...
May 13, 2023•32 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Season 3, Episode 6 This week we speak with the wonderful Shivani Dave (they/them). Shivani is a non-binary journalist, broadcaster, and physicist. Shivani began their media career at the BBC, and while working for Radio 4, began producing an independent passion project called The Log Books, sharing the untold stories of British queer history. They specialise in telling stories with the communities that are often unheard, most recently releasing Black and Gay, Back in the Day. Alongside this wor...
Apr 29, 2023•45 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Season 3, Episode 5 This week we talk to the sensational Divina de Campo! Divina (he/she/they) is an actor, singer, performer, drag artist, and a member of Drag Race royalty. Divina joins us to talk about her experience of education, as both a student and teacher, all while looking fabulous in her sparkly pig banker jumper (check our socials to see a picture!). You can follow Divina on Twitter at @Divinadecampo. We love to hear your feedback, so please rate and review this episode and you can al...
Apr 08, 2023•37 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Season 3, Episode 4 This week we are joined by Sab Samuel, who is better known as Aida H Dee: The Storytime Drag Queen, and founder of Drag Queen Story Hour UK. Aida H Dee is an ADHD, neurodivergent, queer hero of literature, theatre, and children's entertainment. They join us in this episode to talk about the work they do with Drag Queen Story Hour UK, and the value it has for young people. Their brand new children's book, "My First Pride", is available for pre-order. You can find out all about...
Mar 25, 2023•40 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Season 3, Episode 3 This week we speak with the brilliant Ian Timbrell (he/him) about LGBT+ inclusive relationships and sex education. Ian shares great advice about how to plan your curriculums, which topics should be discussed at which age, and how to navigate difficult conversations. A must listen for anyone who teaches RSE! We love to hear your feedback, so please rate and review this episode and you can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram @PrideProgress. You can find links to our other r...
Mar 11, 2023•39 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Season 3, Episode 2 This week we bring you a special panel episode discussing LGBT+ inclusive sport and PE. Our brilliant panel is made up of a range of LGBT+ athletes and educators, each who bring a unique perspective to the topic. Our four superb guests are Alex Baird (they/them - @AlexBaird12), Jake Williamson (he/him - @jakewilliamson4), Martha Riggs (she/her - @MarthaRiggs4), and Michael C. Wearing (he/him - @_Michaelwearing). In this episode we discuss some of the challenges and barriers t...
Feb 25, 2023•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 2
Season 3, Episode 1 It is LGBT+ History Month and we are joined by Molly and Sophie from The Proud Trust to explore why this month matters, and how their resources can help teachers during this month. The Proud Trust are a Manchester based charity described as ‘The Home of LGBT+ Youth’. They are a life changing charity who provide education, support, and advocacy for LGBT+ young people and their communities. You can find out more about their work here: https://www.theproudtrust.org - We love to ...
Feb 11, 2023•35 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Season 2, Episode 15 We were invited to join the NEU's LGBT+ Educators' Conference in Bristol. The theme for the conference this year was 'Defending our Community'. In this episode we capture the conference by speaking with organisers, guests, and stall holders about the importance of creating these safer spaces, and what lessons they'll be taking home with them from the conference. In this episode you can hear from Just Like Us, Olly Pike, Schools Out UK, Stonewall, Trans Actual, Kacey De Gruit...
Nov 13, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 15
