Are queer teachers the only ones creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students in schools? What happens when they leave—and why are so many being pushed out? In this episode, we revisit our powerful conversation with Flint Del Sol, a former teacher turned advocate, who sheds light on the immense pressure placed on LGBTQ+ educators. From being the "designated queer teacher" to facing outright hostility, Flint shares what real allyship looks like—and why leaving the classroom doesn’t mean leaving educa...
Mar 13, 2025•10 min•Ep. 129
Why do so many LGBTQ+ teachers leave the profession feeling broken and exhausted? And why are schools still relying on just one “designated safe teacher” instead of building a truly inclusive environment? In this powerful episode, former high school teacher and author Flint Del Sol exposes the harsh realities queer educators face—from systemic burnout to hostile work environments. Sharing personal stories and real-world examples, Flint reveals why so many LGBTQ+ teachers struggle to stay in the ...
Mar 11, 2025•47 min•Ep. 128
What happens when coming out as an LGBTQ+ teacher leads to job loss, discrimination, and relentless scrutiny? Chris Cannella knows this reality firsthand—and he’s fighting back. Despite years of progress, LGBTQ+ educators still face discrimination, from losing coaching positions to having their advocacy questioned. In this episode, Chris shares his powerful journey from a closeted teacher to a bold activist, revealing the battles he’s fought for inclusion, student visibility, and educator rights...
Mar 06, 2025•10 min•Ep. 127
What happens when schools push LGBTQ+ voices into the shadows? What does it mean to fight for inclusion when even educators face discrimination? For over 26 years, Chris Cannella (he/him) has navigated the challenges of being an openly gay teacher and union leader, fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in schools. From being pushed out of coaching to standing up against censorship of queer identities, his journey sheds light on the uphill battle for inclusion in education. In this episode, you will: Gain p...
Mar 04, 2025•43 min•Ep. 126
How can educators navigate identity, advocacy, and trust while staying true to themselves in the classroom? For LGBTQ+ educators, balancing authenticity with strategy is essential in a system that often feels unwelcoming. This episode explores how understanding identity, knowing legal protections, and building trust can empower educators and create safer, more inclusive learning spaces. In this episode, you will: Learn why naming and understanding your identity is key to self-advocacy and studen...
Feb 27, 2025•8 min•Ep. 125
How can educators balance authenticity, advocacy, and professional boundaries while navigating policies and identity in the classroom? This episode explores the intersection of identity and education, highlighting the importance of policy awareness, trust-building, and advocacy. If you’re looking for ways to create inclusive learning environments while protecting yourself and your students, this conversation is for you. In this episode, you will: Understand how policies and procedures can serve ...
Feb 25, 2025•39 min•Ep. 124
Do you struggle to balance your authentic self with your professional role as an educator? This week, we share a powerful conversation about the challenges and triumphs of being a queer teacher, from advocating for students to addressing difficult conversations. In this episode, you will: Gain practical tips for creating a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment Learn strategies for navigating tricky situations with parents and colleagues Discover how to confidently bring your whole se...
Feb 20, 2025•9 min•Ep. 123
Ever felt like you're navigating a minefield of identities in the classroom? This episode explores the challenges and triumphs of embracing authenticity in education, offering insights for both educators and listeners alike. We delve into the nuances of creating an inclusive space for all students, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In this episode, you will: Discover how to foster open communication and respect for diverse identities. Learn strategies for addressing ster...
Feb 18, 2025•42 min•Ep. 122
How can educators truly support LGBTQ+ students and peers in a world where allyship is constantly evolving? In this powerful episode, author and educator Flint Del Sol explores what it means to be an ally in today's changing landscape. From resisting fear-based compliance in schools to modeling self-acceptance for students, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone committed to creating safer, more inclusive spaces for queer youth. In this episode, you will: Learn how allyship has shifted fr...
Feb 13, 2025•38 min•Ep. 121
Are you feeling overwhelmed by financial uncertainty? What if the key to financial success isn't just about numbers but about mindset and strategy? In today’s episode, financial expert David Lester shares powerful insights on how to take control of your finances—even in turbulent times. Whether you're navigating debt, planning for retirement, or looking to optimize your investments, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you build financial stability and confidence. In this episode...
Feb 11, 2025•41 min•Ep. 120
What does it mean to truly embrace queerness in the classroom and beyond? How can representation create safer, more empathetic spaces for students and educators alike? For queer educators and allies, navigating identity in professional spaces can be both rewarding and challenging. In this episode, we explore the power of queerness in education. From creating inclusive classrooms to finding queer community in unexpected places, In this episode, you will: Discover the power of building connections...
Feb 06, 2025•10 min•Ep. 119
Have you ever wondered how queerness and creativity intersect to build stronger, more inclusive communities? In this episode, we dive deep about the power of embracing identity, fostering empathy, and navigating the challenges of being openly queer in both education and creative industries. Whether you’re an educator, artist, or ally, you’ll gain insights into how inclusivity enriches both personal and professional growth. In this episode, you will: Discover how queerness fosters empathy and aut...
Feb 04, 2025•45 min•Ep. 118
How can small actions in the classroom create a safer, more inclusive space for LGBTQ+ students? Many educators want to support queer students but aren’t sure where to begin. In this episode, we revisit powerful strategies for bringing LGBTQ+ visibility into education, from inclusive curriculum choices to addressing harmful language in a way that fosters real learning and change. In this episode, you will: Learn how including LGBTQ+ figures in lesson plans helps students feel seen and valued. Di...
Jan 30, 2025•8 min•Ep. 117
Are schools truly inclusive if LGBTQ+ voices and diverse perspectives are missing from the curriculum? Many educators want to create safe and affirming spaces for all students but struggle with incorporating LGBTQ+ inclusion into their classrooms. In this episode, we look at growing up queer in an education system devoid of representation shaped her mission to ensure no student feels unseen or excluded. In this episode, you will: Learn practical strategies to make your classroom inclusive, from ...
Jan 28, 2025•28 min
Have you ever wondered what it takes to make STEM classrooms truly inclusive for LGBTQIA+ students? This episode dives into the story of a queer marine science professor whose groundbreaking approach is transforming education. Many LGBTQIA+ students in STEM feel invisible or unsupported, facing both overt and subtle challenges. This episode explores actionable strategies that educators can use to foster belonging and equity in their classrooms, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to ...
Jan 23, 2025•8 min•Ep. 115
What happens when personal identity intersects with academia and marine science? Discover how one queer educator is breaking barriers and making classrooms more inclusive for all. Many students and educators struggle to navigate environments that lack representation and inclusivity. This episode dives deep into the unique challenges queer individuals face in academia and offers insights into creating more equitable spaces for everyone. In this episode, you will: Learn how one professor’s opennes...
Jan 21, 2025•25 min•Ep. 114
What if the way we handle conflict in schools isn’t working—and it’s actually making things worse? Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or unsure how to truly "take care of yourself"? Dive into this episode to discover practical tools for mental and emotional self-management that you can start using today. In the world of education, life moves fast, and self-care often feels like a buzzword rather than a real solution. What if you had tools to not only manage stress but also ground yourself in moments...
Jan 16, 2025•36 min•Ep. 113
What if the way we handle conflict in schools isn’t working—and it’s actually making things worse? Restorative practices aren’t just about solving problems after they happen; they’re about building healthier, more inclusive school communities from the ground up. In this episode, we unpack how shifting from punishment to healing transforms students, educators, and the community itself. If you've ever wondered how to replace the school-to-prison pipeline with a school-to-possibility pipeline, this...
Jan 14, 2025•48 min•Ep. 112
What happens when a queer educator faces bias in the classroom while teaching the stories that matter most? From confronting homophobic threats to fostering transformative conversations about respect and empathy, this episode sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of teaching inclusivity. If you’ve ever wondered how personal identity intersects with education or how storytelling can drive social change, this episode is for you. In this episode, you will: Discover how to turn a student's bias ...
Jan 09, 2025•12 min•Ep. 111
What happens when the classroom becomes a battleground for identity, authenticity, and the fight for inclusivity? In this episode, we discuss the power of teaching at the intersection of identity, education, and art. Through personal stories, Shea highlights the challenges of creating inclusive spaces in education while addressing systemic issues, cultural ignorance, and the transformative power of art. Through our conversation, you will: Discover how theater can challenge stereotypes, educate a...
Jan 07, 2025•53 min•Ep. 110
What were the most impactful lessons, stories, and voices shaping queer education in 2024? Discover the episodes that inspired, empowered, and fostered inclusion this year. This special year-end episode celebrates the top 10 most listened-to moments from Teaching While Queer . Whether you're an educator, ally, or advocate, these stories spotlight the triumphs and challenges of queer representation, inclusivity, and advocacy in schools. Dive in to find practical tools and inspiring journeys that ...
Jan 02, 2025•21 min•Ep. 109
Have you ever wondered how personal identity, authenticity, and representation shape the learning and teaching experience in higher education? In this episode, we dive into the journey of Dr. Vanessa Kettering, a trailblazer in positive developmental psychology and a queer educator, as she shares her insights on creating inclusive spaces, the transformative power of representation, and the importance of staying authentic in academic and personal realms. Through our conversation, you will: Learn ...
Dec 31, 2024•32 min•Ep. 108
How does compulsory heterosexuality quietly influence the way we discuss gender, and what can queer educators do to transform the conversation? Compulsory heterosexuality deeply affects how gender studies are taught, often limiting representation, narratives, and discussions around queerness. This episode explores how queer educators can challenge these norms to create classrooms that are inclusive, empowering, and reflective of all identities. Through our conversation, you will: Discover the fi...
Dec 26, 2024•10 min•Ep. 107
How does compulsory heterosexuality shape the way we talk about gender and identity in education, and what can queer educators do to break these barriers? In a world where heteronormativity often dominates conversations about identity, understanding its impact on education is crucial. This episode dives into the challenges queer educators face, how gender studies intersect with broader societal biases, and why these conversations matter more than ever. If you’ve ever wondered how to create more ...
Dec 24, 2024•39 min•Ep. 106
How can educators create classrooms where students don’t just survive but thrive—celebrating their full identities in an equitable and joyful learning environment? As a queer educator or ally, you might wonder how to foster inclusive and affirming spaces while balancing advocacy, representation, and restorative practices. This episode offers actionable strategies to empower you in building communities where students and educators alike feel seen and valued. Through our conversation, you will: Le...
Dec 19, 2024•10 min•Ep. 105
How can educators create truly inclusive and democratic classrooms that honor every student’s identity and foster belonging? In a world where students come from diverse backgrounds and carry unique experiences, many schools still struggle to reflect this diversity in their culture and curriculum. This episode explores how educators can transform classrooms into spaces where every identity is valued and students are empowered to thrive. Through our conversation, you will: Discover how sharing you...
Dec 17, 2024•41 min•Ep. 104
How do you protect your mental and emotional well-being while navigating challenging conversations with family, friends, or colleagues during emotionally charged times? The holiday season and post-election period often bring opportunities for connection but can also spark conflicts or stress—especially when values, identities, or politics come into play. If you’re grappling with setting boundaries or preparing for tricky conversations, this episode offers tools and strategies tailored for you. T...
Dec 12, 2024•37 min•Ep. 103
Are you ready to take a leap into new opportunities, but unsure how to navigate moving out of state as a queer teacher? Relocating as a queer educator presents unique challenges—from securing the right certifications to finding an inclusive work environment. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you make a smooth transition while ensuring your personal and professional needs are met. In today’s episode, you will: Discover how to research state certification requirements, cost of ...
Dec 10, 2024•10 min•Ep. 102
Have you ever wondered how embracing authenticity as an LGBTQ+ educator can transform not just classrooms, but lives? This episode highlights strategies for fostering visibility, acceptance, and advocacy in schools. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or ally, this conversation offers actionable insights to build inclusive spaces where everyone thrives. In this episode, you will: Discover how representation can empower students and change lives. Learn strategies to create a zero-tolerance environ...
Dec 05, 2024•11 min•Ep. 101
What does it mean to bring your full, authentic self into the classroom—and why is it so transformative for both educators and students? In a world where representation matters more than ever, this episode dives into how living authentically as a queer educator creates a ripple effect of acceptance and empowerment. Whether you're a teacher, parent, or student, understanding the importance of visibility in schools is key to building inclusive communities. In this episode, you will: Discover how o...
Dec 03, 2024•24 min•Ep. 100
