109. In 2024 We Learned LGBTQ Representation in Schools is Crucial and Why Systemic Change is Essential for Queer Educators to Thrive in 2025

Teaching While Queer: Advocacy For LGBTQ Folks In Schools & Education To Live & Work As Your Authentic Self

#Bryan Stanton #Podcasting Education #Lgbtq In Schools #Representation #Lgbtq+ Representation #Queer In Schools #Queer Educator #LGBTQ Education

22:08

Host Francesca Amiker sits down with directors Joe and Anthony Russo, producer Angela Russo-Otstot, stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, and more to uncover how family was the key to building the emotional core of The Electric State . From the Russos’ own experiences growing up in a large Italian family to the film’s central relationship between Michelle and her robot brother Kid Cosmo, family relationships both on and off of the set were the key to bringing The Electric State to life. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts . State Secrets: Inside the Making of The Electric State is produced by Netflix and Treefort Media.…

há cerca de um ano 20:52

MP3•Home de episódios

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 resonate with today’s pressing need for equity and representation in education.

In this episode, you will:

Hear firsthand how educators are creating safer, more inclusive classrooms by embracing authenticity and fostering allyship.
Learn actionable strategies for breaking stereotypes, affirming diverse identities, and challenging exclusionary systems.
Celebrate the resilience, creativity, and courage of queer educators who are reshaping the future of education for all students.

Tune in now to revisit the year’s most powerful conversations and gain inspiration to create more inclusive, affirming educational spaces in 2025!

The podcast explores the challenges and successes of Queer representation in education, addressing issues such as burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the importance of advocacy in creating inclusive classrooms, safe spaces, and anti-bullying strategies, with a focus on supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual, , transgender, asexual, aromantic, agender, two-spirit, and non-binary teachers and gender identity in schools to combat the feeling of isolation and lack of community.

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

133 episódios

109. In 2024 We Learned LGBTQ Representation in Schools is Crucial and Why Systemic Change is Essential for Queer Educators to Thrive in 2025

Teaching While Queer: Advocacy For LGBTQ Folks In Schools & Education To Live & Work As Your Authentic Self

published há cerca de um ano

MP3•Home de episódios

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.

In this episode, you will:

Hear firsthand how educators are creating safer, more inclusive classrooms by embracing authenticity and fostering allyship.
Learn actionable strategies for breaking stereotypes, affirming diverse identities, and challenging exclusionary systems.
Celebrate the resilience, creativity, and courage of queer educators who are reshaping the future of education for all students.

Tune in now to revisit the year’s most powerful conversations and gain inspiration to create more inclusive, affirming educational spaces in 2025!

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

133 episódios

#Bryan Stanton #Podcasting Education #Lgbtq In Schools #Representation #Lgbtq+ Representation #Queer In Schools #Queer Educator #LGBTQ Education

כל הפרקים

1
135. 3 Strategies Queer Teachers Can Use To Advocate For Inclusion Without Risking Their Jobs 9:26

há 2 dias9:26

9:26

Can LGBTQ+ teachers truly be themselves in the classroom? Despite progress, many still face discrimination, fear, and pushback when advocating for inclusion. In this episode of Teaching While Queer , Bryan Stanton recaps an eye-opening conversation with Greg R. Baird, a longtime educator and activist. Greg shares his personal experiences navigating the education system as a gay teacher, the resistance he faced when launching a GSA, and how he’s adapted his advocacy to keep pushing for change. If you’re a queer educator, an ally, or someone passionate about LGBTQ+ rights, this episode is packed with insights on resilience, representation, and real-world allyship. In this episode, you will: Discover how to overcome barriers to LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools and inspire others. Learn practical strategies for advocating for queer students and educators—even in resistant environments. Understand the power of storytelling in shaping inclusive classrooms and communities. Hit play now to hear Greg’s inspiring journey, the lessons he’s learned, and how you can make a difference in LGBTQ+ education today! The podcast explores the challenges and successes of Queer representation in education, addressing issues such as burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the importance of advocacy in creating inclusive classrooms, safe spaces, and anti-bullying strategies, with a focus on supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual, , transgender, asexual, aromantic, agender, two-spirit, and non-binary teachers and gender identity in schools to combat the feeling of isolation and lack of community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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134. The Truth About DEI in Schools: Why It’s Under Attack & How to Fight Back 33:06

há 4 dias33:06

33:06

What does it really take to be an LGBTQ+ educator in today's world? How can teachers go from overcoming fear and bias to becoming a global advocate for allyship and inclusion. If you’ve ever felt like you couldn’t be your authentic self in your workplace, this episode is for you. We talk about the struggles LGBTQ+ educators face, the role of allyship, and how to create a more inclusive environment for both teachers and students. In this episode, you will: Learn how to navigate the challenges of being an LGBTQ+ educator while staying true to yourself. Discover actionable ways to foster allyship and create safe spaces in schools. Hear inspiring stories of resilience and the impact of visibility in education. Hit play now to hear Greg’s incredible story and gain valuable insights on how to support LGBTQ+ educators and students in meaningful ways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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133. Queer Educators Are Told to Stay Silent—Here’s Why Visibility Matters More Than Ever 10:45

há 9 dias10:45

10:45

Queer educators are often told to stay silent about their identities—but what impact does that have on LGBTQ+ students? In this episode, we explore why visibility in education is more than just representation—it’s a lifeline. Many queer teachers worry about speaking up due to fear of backlash, job security, or simply not knowing how to navigate difficult conversations. But when educators remain invisible, students lose essential role models and support systems. This episode uncovers why visibility matters and how educators can advocate for themselves and their students while staying true to their values. In this episode, you will: Learn why queer educator visibility is crucial for LGBTQ+ students' well-being and confidence. Discover how to navigate fear and uncertainty while advocating for inclusive education. Gain actionable steps to create a safer, more affirming classroom without putting yourself at risk. Press play now to hear why queer educators’ voices matter more than ever—and how you can be a source of hope and change in your classroom. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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132. The Dangerous Impact of Misinformation on Queer Youth—And How We Can Fight Back 27:03

há 11 dias27:03

27:03

How can educators create truly inclusive spaces for queer and trans students? And what’s the hidden bias that might be holding them back? In this episode, we talk with educator and author Kimm Topping (they/them) about the challenges queer youth face in schools, the impact of adultism, and why affirming spaces are essential for student success. Drawing from their own experiences and professional work, Kimm shares insights on building trust, fostering inclusivity, and combating harmful biases in education. In this episode, you will: Learn how to support LGBTQ+ students beyond just using inclusive language. Understand the role of adultism in education and why dismantling it matters. Discover practical strategies to create safer, more affirming classrooms for queer youth. Hit play now to gain powerful insights on making education more inclusive and empowering for all students! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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131. Why Online Harassment Won’t Silence LGBTQ+ Educators (And What to Do About It) 10:50

há 16 dias10:50

10:50

Have you ever felt unsafe online just for being who you are? If you’re a queer educator, digital harassment is a real and growing threat—but you don’t have to face it alone. The rise of online attacks against LGBTQ+ educators is not just frustrating—it’s dangerous. From doxxing to mass reporting, these tactics can impact your mental health, career, and personal safety. In this episode, we break down exactly how to protect yourself and turn harassment into empowerment. In this episode, you will: Learn the immediate steps to take if you’re targeted online, from documenting threats to securing your privacy. Discover mental health strategies to cope with online attacks and avoid burnout. Get practical advocacy tips to turn harassment into a platform for change—without putting yourself at risk. Hit play now to learn how to stay safe, protect your peace, and keep teaching with confidence—even in the face of online hate. Resources: Electronic Frontier Foundation’s Digital Privacy Guide (https://ssd.eff.org/). StopBullying.gov has detailed guides on reporting cyberbullying. The American Federation of Teachers ( https://www.aft.org/ ) has resources for educators facing workplace discrimination or harassment. The Trevor Project ( https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ ) offers crisis counseling for LGBTQ+ individuals. GLSEN’s educator network ( https://www.glsen.org/ ) provides support for LGBTQ+ teachers. Equality Federation ( https://www.equalityfederation.org/ ) tracks policies impacting LGBTQ+ rights. Teaching While Queer's online community (www.teachingwhilequeer.org). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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130. What Happens When Your Personal Queer Story Goes Viral—The Good, the Bad & the Ugly 26:47

há 18 dias26:47

26:47

What happens when your personal story goes viral for all the wrong reasons? How do you navigate grief, identity, and public scrutiny—all at once? In this episode, Aiden shares their deeply personal journey of dealing with loss, finding strength in identity, and facing online attacks after a viral moment. From overcoming depression to advocating for LGBTQ+ students, Aiden opens up about resilience, community, and the importance of standing strong in the face of adversity. In this episode, you will: Gain insight into how to balance personal struggles with being a visible LGBTQ+ educator. Learn how to protect your mental health when facing public criticism or online hate. Discover the power of a strong support system and why it’s crucial in tough times. Hit play to hear Aiden’s raw and honest conversation about grief, identity, and pushing forward against all odds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
129. Signs You’re Overburdening LGBTQ+ Teachers & How to Fix It for Real Change 9:40

há 23 dias9:40

9:40

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 education. In this episode, you will: Understand the hidden emotional and physical toll of being an openly queer educator. Learn how schools can go beyond token representation and provide systemic support. Discover why leaving a toxic school environment isn’t a failure, but an act of self-preservation. Hit play now to hear Flint’s powerful insights and learn how we can create real change for LGBTQ+ educators and students. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
128. 3 Ways Schools Are Failing Queer Teachers (And What Needs to Change) 47:16

há 25 dias47:16

47:16

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 profession and what needs to change for them—and their students—to thrive. In this episode, you will learn: The unspoken burdens placed on queer teachers that lead to burnout How school systems create hostile conditions without even realizing it What administrators, colleagues, and allies can actually do to support LGBTQ+ educators Press play now to hear Flint’s firsthand insights into the challenges queer teachers face—and how schools can do better. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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127. 3 Hard Truths About Being an Openly Queer Teacher & How to Overcome Them 9:37

há 4 weeks9:37

9:37

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. In this episode, you will: Discover the emotional and professional toll of coming out as an LGBTQ+ educator. Learn how Chris and his students fought back against school censorship and won. Get actionable steps to support queer teachers and students in hostile environments. Listen now to hear Chris Cannella’s inspiring journey and learn how you can stand up for LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools! The podcast explores the challenges and successes of Queer representation in education, addressing issues such as burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the importance of advocacy in creating inclusive classrooms, safe spaces, and anti-bullying strategies, with a focus on supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual, , transgender, asexual, aromantic, agender, two-spirit, and non-binary teachers and gender identity in schools to combat the feeling of isolation and lack of community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
126. How To Help Your LGBTQ+ Students Find Their Voice—Despite Backlash 43:04

há 5 weeks43:04

43:04

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 practical insight into navigating a conservative school setting. Learn how educators can create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students—without putting their careers at risk. Understand the real impact of anti-LGBTQ+ policies in schools and what can be done to fight back. Tune in now to hear an unfiltered conversation about the realities of being an LGBTQ+ educator, the fight for student inclusion, and what it takes to create change in today’s schools. The podcast explores the challenges and successes of Queer representation in education, addressing issues such as burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the importance of advocacy in creating inclusive classrooms, safe spaces, and anti-bullying strategies, with a focus on supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual, , transgender, asexual, aromantic, agender, two-spirit, and non-binary teachers and gender identity in schools to combat the feeling of isolation and lack of community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

1
125. How LGBTQ+ Educators Can Advocate for Themselves Without Burning Out 8:06

há 5 weeks8:06

8:06

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 student support. Discover the critical legal protections for LGBTQ+ educators and why documentation is a powerful tool. Explore how trust and intentional advocacy can drive meaningful change without personal or professional risk. Listen now to gain the insights and strategies you need to navigate identity, advocacy, and trust in education—while staying true to yourself! The podcast explores the challenges and successes of Queer representation in education, addressing issues such as burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the importance of advocacy in creating inclusive classrooms, safe spaces, and anti-bullying strategies, with a focus on supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual, , transgender, asexual, aromantic, agender, two-spirit, and non-binary teachers and gender identity in schools to combat the feeling of isolation and lack of community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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124. Why Performative Activism in Education Is Hurting Queer Students & Teachers 39:09

há 6 weeks39:09

39:09

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 as protections in educational spaces. Learn why building trust is key to fostering meaningful learning experiences. Discover strategies for effective advocacy while maintaining professionalism and personal well-being. Tune in now to explore how educators can navigate identity, advocacy, and policy while creating impactful and inclusive classrooms! The podcast explores the challenges and successes of Queer representation in education, addressing issues such as burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the importance of advocacy in creating inclusive classrooms, safe spaces, and anti-bullying strategies, with a focus on supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual, , transgender, asexual, aromantic, agender, two-spirit, and non-binary teachers and gender identity in schools to combat the feeling of isolation and lack of community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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123. How To Balance Authenticity & Professionalism as a Queer Teacher 8:48

há 6 weeks8:48

8:48

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 selves to work. For invaluable advice on thriving as a queer educator, tune in now and empower yourself to make a real difference in the lives of your students. The podcast explores the challenges and successes of Queer representation in education, addressing issues such as burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the importance of advocacy in creating inclusive classrooms, safe spaces, and anti-bullying strategies, with a focus on supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual, , transgender, asexual, aromantic, agender, two-spirit, and non-binary teachers and gender identity in schools to combat the feeling of isolation and lack of community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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122. Too Queer for the Classroom? Challenging Parental Pushback Against LGBTQ+ Educators 41:45

há 7 weeks41:45

41:45

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 stereotypes and microaggressions head-on. Gain insights into supporting LGBTQ+ students and colleagues, even in challenging environments. Ready to make your classroom or workplace a more inclusive space? Share this episode with a colleague or friend who could use these insights, and let's work together to create environments where everyone can thrive. The podcast explores the challenges and successes of Queer representation in education, addressing issues such as burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the importance of advocacy in creating inclusive classrooms, safe spaces, and anti-bullying strategies, with a focus on supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual, , transgender, asexual, aromantic, agender, two-spirit, and non-binary teachers and gender identity in schools to combat the feeling of isolation and lack of community. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

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121. How to Support LGBTQ Students and Educators Without Breaking School Rules (Or Getting Fired) 37:50

há 7 weeks37:50