Teaching While Queer: Advocacy, Community, and Resources for LGBTQ+ Educators. - podcast cover

Teaching While Queer: Advocacy, Community, and Resources for LGBTQ+ Educators.

Unfiltered, radical conversations at the intersection of queerness and education.


Feeling isolated in your school, department, or campus? You’re not alone. Teaching While Queer brings together LGBTQ+ educators and activists to talk about identity, inclusion, burnout, book bans, drag in the classroom, and finding joy while fighting for justice.


Hosted by Bryan Stanton (they/them)—a former Teacher of the Year turned theatre pedagogy nerd—this podcast centers storytelling as a survival tool and offers support, strategy, and solidarity for queer educators everywhere.


New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.


🎧 Start with episode 139. "5 Ways Queer Educators Can Build Inclusive Classrooms Without Burning Out"

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

38. Cultivating LGBTQ Inclusivity and Representation in Schools

Ask A Queer EducatorTeaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 19Ever wondered how the simple choice of pronouns can shape a student's educational journey? Join me as we unravel the tapestry of queerness and education with the help of James Young, an educator who personifies the intersection of cultural and queer identity. We wade into the depths of how pronouns, a core aspect of one's identity, are being woven into classroom culture to foster inclusivity and prevent violence. Our discussion tak......

Jan 18, 202457 min

37. LGBTQ Authenticity in Schools: Being a Gay Educator in a Conservative Landscape

Ask A Queer EducatorTeaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 18Ever found yourself at the crossroads of identity and profession, especially within the halls of academia? Grant Moss, an associate professor of English at Utah Valley University, joins us for a candid discussion about his lived experience as a gay educator in a traditionally conservative sphere. His journey from a childhood shrouded in societal homophobia to finding his truth in grad school, and how it's shaped his approach to tea......

Jan 11, 202459 min

36. From Surviving the AIDS Epidemic to Promoting Sex Education for LGBTQ Students in Schools

Ask A Queer EducatorTeaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 17Have you ever wondered how the threads of personal history, activism, and education weave together to shape our understanding of critical social issues? I, Brian Stanton, am thrilled to share a compelling conversation with Ed Sperin, an extraordinary individual whose life as an older gay man has been deeply intertwined with the realms of education and theater. Ed's story, marked by both adversity and triumph, shines a light on the ......

Jan 04, 20241 hr 1 min

35. Transforming the Educational Landscape: Proactive Advocacy for Queer Inclusivity in Education

Ask A Queer EducatorTeaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 16Do you ever wonder what it's like navigating academia as a 2S LGBTQ+ educator? We've got an incredibly enlightening conversation for you! We're joined by A Pollicino, a brilliant museum educator and a trans non-binary agender individual on a mission to transform our educational system. They share their journey - from their self-discovery to their pursuit of a PhD in educational policy intended to create more inclusive spaces for tr......

Dec 14, 202359 min

34. Breaking Barriers: A Practical Approach to Queer Advocacy in Education

Ask A Queer EducatorTeaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 15Join us on a journey of understanding and self-discovery with Annabel Flemate, a passionate pre-K and TK teacher who uses sign language as another creative tool for connecting with her students. Reflecting on her own experiences as a queer student, Annabelle shares how the support of her educators encouraged her to embrace her identity. She shines a light on the trials English language learners face and the powerful role teachers h......

Dec 07, 202346 min

33. Advocacy for LGBTQ Leaders in Schools: An Authentic Journey as a Trans Man and Principal

Ask A Queer EducatorEver wondered how to support queer youth in alternative schools? Dive into Max’s journey as a trans principal in a unique educational setting.As Max, a trans principal of an alternative school, shares his experiences, listeners gain insight into the challenges and rewards of supporting LGBTQ+ youth in educational environments. His story highlights the importance of visibility and understanding in fostering a safe and supportive school community.In this episode you will:Dis......

Nov 30, 20231 hr

32. Embracing Identity: An Insight into LGBTQ+ Advocacy in Education

Ask A Queer EducatorTeaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 13Imagine a classroom where textbooks are set aside and real-world experiences take center stage. That's exactly what our guest Alicia Arballo (she/her) did in her illustrious 36-year teaching career. With a deep-rooted love for physics and an unwavering commitment to hands-on learning, Alicia created an engaging learning environment that had students hooked. From there, we take an intimate journey into Alicia's personal transition s......

Nov 16, 202358 min

31. The Advocacy and Resilience of Non-Binary Educator: Safe Practices for LGBTQ Educators in Schools

Ask A Queer EducatorTeaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 12Join us as we take a deep exploration into the life of an extraordinary individual, Casper Oliver (he/they/fae). Casper, a proud non-binary educator and advocate, takes us on a journey from his humble beginnings in rural Indiana to his current life in Oregon. A wealth of experience in early childhood education under their belt, they share their insights into teaching young minds, supporting queer parents, and the accidental way the......

Nov 09, 202352 min

30. Navigating Queerness in Schools: Self-Discovery and LGBTQ Inclusivity

Ask A Queer EducatorTeaching While Queer, Season 2 Episode 11How does a queer, non-binary AFAB individual navigate through a conservative, all-female Catholic high school and find their identity? What if the era is the early 2000s and technological resources are bare to none? Meet our guest, Keri McDonough (they/them), who shares this fascinating journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Keri, now an assistant director at an LGBTQ Center at a university in Rhode Island, candidly reveals their......

Nov 02, 202351 min

29. A Journey of LGBTQ Inclusivity, Advocacy, and Compassion in Education

Ask A Queer EducatorTeaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 10Ever wondered how a queer educator navigates through the intricacies of faith, education, and identity? Well, strap in for a deep dive into a unique intersection of life and learning with our guest, Jake Brown (he/him). Raised in a small, Catholic mining town in Arizona, Jake's experiences — from being bullied to coming out in a less-than-accepting environment — have shaped him into a compassionate and inclusive educator. Jake... The ...

Oct 26, 20231 hr 2 min

28. Small Steps, Big Impact: LGBTQ Identity in Schools

Ask A Queer EducatorTeaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 9Ever felt like you're living a future that didn't exist in your childhood? That's the extraordinary journey of Aaron Rupchand-Kokotek (he/him), a queer science teacher who navigated his self-discovery in a conservative Jewish school. Our chat explores his queer awakening, the remarkable evolution of educational content, and the nuances of teaching while queer. Take a walk with us down memory lane as we unravel how changes in gender ......

Oct 19, 202347 min

27. Advocating for LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Schools and Representation in Media

Ask A Queer EducatorTeaching While Queer: Season 2, Episode 8Ever wish you had a clear, accessible resource to navigate the complexities of gender and sexuality when you were just a kid? Meet Lindz Amer (they/them), a creator, author, educator, activist, and performer, who is changing the narrative with their ground-breaking web series, Queer Kids Stuff. Designed for preschoolers, it embodies the essence of Mr Rogers meeting Queer Theory 101, providing young minds a safe and welcoming environ......

Oct 12, 20231 hr

26. Transcending Barriers in Queer Education: A Conversation on LGBTQ Advocacy

Ask A Queer EducatorTeaching While Queer: Season 2, Episode 7Have you ever considered the complexities of navigating classrooms as a queer student or teacher? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Finn Menzies (he/him), a skilled educator with experiences spanning from preschool to community college. We delve headfirst into Finn's journey, discussing his personal experiences as a queer student, the absence of queer representation in education, and the lingering effects of the 1980s An......

Oct 05, 202357 min

25. Unpacking Queer Identity and LGBTQ Inclusivity in Schools

Ask A Queer EducatorStrap in for a riveting conversation with the dynamic and inspiring, Gerilyn Brault, a queer youth educator who takes us on a deep and personal journey into her life as a bisexual pansexual. Our conversation explores her journey to self-discovery, from the stirring moment she saw Sailor Uranus to her experiences growing up as a queer individual. We dissect the stigma around bisexuality, its roots in patriarchy, and how language and terms related to queer identities have ev......

Sep 28, 202353 min

24. An LGBTQ Educator's Journey of Resilience, Advocacy, and Activism in Kentucky Schools

Ask A Queer EducatorWelcome to an intriguing conversation with Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr (he/him), the 2022 Kentucky Teacher of the Year, an advocate for LGBTQ+ students, and a proud gay Appalachian. Willie's story of growing up queer amidst the 90s AIDS narrative and his experience of finding solace in school during his tumultuous childhood sets the tone for a gripping episode. We dig deeper into Willie’s journey, the intersection of teaching, activism, and queerness, and the challenges......

Sep 21, 202358 min

23. Teaching, Advocacy in Education, Parenting, and Cosplay

Ask A Queer EducatorIn this episode Bryan (he/they) speaks with Jacob Boergesson (he/him) about teaching, professional development, cosplay, and leaving the profession. What would you say if I told you that cosplay could be a powerful tool in the world of education? Intriguing, right? In our exclusive chat with Jacob Boergesson, a seasoned teacher with a nine-year tenure, we unwrap layers of intriguing anecdotes, insights, and experiences. As a queer educator, Jacob opens up about ... The podcas...

Sep 14, 202353 min

22. Breaking Down Barriers in Schools: The Story of an LGBTQ Teacher in Rural Montana

Ask A Queer EducatorIn this episode Bryan sits down with high school English teacher, Chris Warren (they/them). Have you ever considered the struggle of self-discovery and identity formation in a deeply conservative society? Imagine then, the transformative journey of Chris, a non-binary transmasc high school English teacher from rural Montana. Their story is an inspiration, an exploration of self-identity formed within a red-state environment, and further developed amidst the isolation of th......

Sep 07, 202359 min

21. Inclusivity and Courage: LGBTQ Teachers in Schools

Ask A Queer EducatorHave you ever pondered what it takes to live authentically while being a queer educator? Revealing her personal journey, our guest Andrea "Fitz" Fitzgerald (she/her), a lesbian math coach from Memphis, Tennessee, provides us with an intimate understanding of such a life. Andrea's journey, filled with the struggle for authenticity and the constant battle against biases, uncovers a remarkable tale of resilience and courage. Her unique perspective as a queer teacher will undo......

Aug 31, 202337 min

20. Creating LGBTQ Safe Spaces in Schools

Ask A Queer EducatorJoin me on a journey into the life of Jake Noble (they/them), a non-binary, queer theater educator who has intertwined their personal identity journey with their passion for teaching. Hailing from Williamsburg, Virginia, Jake discusses their upbringing in Indiana, his self-discovery through theater, and how the COVID-19 pandemic became a catalyst for their self-identification. With a narrative that seamlessly blends personal experience and professional expertise, Jake's st......

Aug 24, 202347 min

19. Advocacy through Art and Drag: A Queer Teacher Helping LGBTQ Students in Schools

Ask A Queer EducatorEver wondered what it’s like to be a trailblazing queer educator on national television? Sharon Tang shares her journey from the classroom to the screen in this eye-opening episode.For many, navigating the intersection of identity and profession can be daunting. Sharon Tang, a high school teacher and openly queer role model, discusses the challenges and triumphs of her journey. In a time where LGBTQ+ rights are under scrutiny, Sharon’s story sheds light on the importance o......

May 18, 202355 min

18. Breaking Down Barriers for LGBTQ Folx in Schools

Ask A Queer EducatorHost, Bryan Stanton (he/they) sits down with Clinical Psychologist, Alex Conway (he/him). The two talk techniques for creating safe and inclusive spaces, homophobia and ableism, and working with children with disabilities. You can learn more about Alex's new business LGBT Joy at www.lgbtjoy.comWant to uncover the layers of LGBTQIA+ acceptance and inclusivity in the education sector? Get ready to dissect these complex issues with Alex Conway, a counselor and the founde... The ...

May 04, 202356 min

17. Amplifying Queer Narratives in Education: The Importance of Representation in Schools

Ask A Queer EducatorHost, Bryan Stanton (he/they), talks with New Jersey, lesbian teacher, Danielle Earle (she/her) about current legislation and the black queer community.When I first met Danielle, she was a beacon of hope in a classroom that needed it the most. As an openly queer teacher navigating the complexities of a predominantly black and Hispanic school district, Danielle has truly become an advocate for her students. This episode unravels her journey, from her own struggles growing u......

Apr 20, 202336 min

16. Unraveling the Complexities of Being a Queer Educator in Today's School Environment

Ask A Queer EducatorThis week host, Bryan Stanton (he/they), speaks with English Teacher Sarah Wilt (shey/they). The two talk about demisexual identity, working as a virtual educator for a Christian School, and past careers in Juvenile Detention and Camp. Technique: Highlight a guestEver wondered what it feels like to navigate the world of education as a queer educator? Prepare to be enlightened as we sit down with Sarah Wilt, a non-binary, bi and demisexual educator, who shares her rive... The ...

Apr 06, 202354 min

15. A Journey of LGBTQ Advocacy in Education: Being Queer, Christian, and Courageous

Ask A Queer EducatorHost, Bryan Stanton (he/they) sits down with Brittany (she/her) a bisexual English teacher in North Texas. The two talk about bisexual identity, conservative outrage, and doxing. Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a queer educator navigating a hostile educational environment? Join us on an enlightening journey with Brittany, an 11th-grade dual credit English teacher, who explores the complexities of being a bisexual woman in academia. In a captivating convers... The ...

Mar 23, 202359 min

14. The Power of Authenticity and Advocacy in Education: An Aromantic and Asexual Educator's Tale

Ask A Queer EducatorIn this episode, Host, Bryan Stanton (he/they), talks with Jeanne-Anne Tye (she/her) a high school English teacher in North Texas. We dive into the "A" of LGBTQIA talking asexual/aromantic identities and masking. Ever wondered how identity is navigated when it doesn't fit within society's normative parameters? Get ready to journey into the life of Jean Ann Tai, a Texas-based educator who identifies as Ace and Aromantic. We dissect the societal emphasis on romantic and... The ...

Mar 09, 20231 hr 4 min

13. Breaking LGBTQ Stereotypes and Inspiring Students in Schools

Ask A Queer EducatorHost Bryan Stanton (he/they) sits down with lesbian elementary health and PE Teacher, Katelyn Hartman-Geier (she/her). The two discuss the moment you realize you're different, navigating social norms and self identity, and supporting teachers and students who are queer.Join us on an engaging exploration with the extraordinary Katelynn Hartman-Geier. Katelynn, a cisgender lesbian elementary school health and PE teacher, bravely opens the book of her life, sharing her vivid ......

Feb 23, 202334 min

12. The Influence of LGBTQ+ Experiences on School Dynamics

Ask A Queer EducatorHost, Bryan Stanton (he/they), sits down with Toronto-based French Immersion teacher Monseiur Steve (he/him). They talk everything from the difference in educational standards between the US and Canada to similar experiences growing up in the 90s. Have you ever wondered about the profound impact a teacher's personal journey can have on their approach to teaching? Well, prepare to be moved as we share an intimate conversation with Monsieur Steve, an inspiring grade two... The ...

Feb 09, 202337 min

10. Shaping the Future through LGBTQ Inclusive Education in Schools

Ask A Queer EducatorIn this episode host, Bryan (he/they), speaks with visual arts teacher, Seth Day (he/him) about his transgender journey, transitioning from public education to nannying to private education, and working in a very supportive private school in Canada.Ever wondered how individuals discover their queerness and navigate the world with their newfound identities? Join us as we delve into a heartfelt conversation with Seth Day, a queer theater educator from New York, now residing ......

Dec 22, 202245 min

9. Being an LGBTQ Teacher in a Small Town School

Ask A Queer EducatorIn this episode host, Bryan (he/they), speaks with Theatre Teacher, Kolby Campbell (he/him) about past homophobic teachers and being a support for LGBTQIA+ students.Ever wondered how a queer theater teacher navigates the education landscape in a small town in Texas? Well, we're about to take you on a journey through our guest, Kolby Campbell's experiences. Kolby, a brave non-binary educator, unfolds his narrative, revealing the jarring incidents of bullying and hostility h......

Dec 08, 202254 min

8. Advocacy for LGBTQ Folx in Education

Ask A Queer EducatorIn this episode Host, Bryan (he/they) and Ben Wilkinson (he/him) talk teaching at the high school you attended, seeing students as humans, and connect over a shared influential educator. Have you ever wondered about the experiences of queer educators and students in our educational system? We have a riveting conversation in this episode with Ben Wilkinson, a Northern California music teacher and student, about his journey of self-discovery and the power of teaching wi... The ...

Nov 24, 202246 min
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