Queering Education: LGBTQ+ Inclusive Teaching, Queer Pedagogy, and Real Classroom Practice

Bryan Stanton
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Queering Education is a Teaching While Queer podcast about LGBTQ inclusive teaching, queer pedagogy, and building authentic, affirming classrooms. Hosted by Bryan Stanton, the show offers practical strategies for educators navigating real challenges in today’s classrooms—connecting theory to practice through conversations, storytelling, and actionable tools.. Each episode centers the lived experiences of queer educators and how they show up for their students, even in systems that weren’t built for them. Whether you’re a K–12 teacher, higher education faculty member, or school leader, you’ll find actionable ways to create affirming learning environments for LGBTQ students and beyond. Through solo episodes and conversations with educators, researchers, and advocates, Queering Education connects theory to practice—covering topics like queer curriculum, equity in education, classroom culture, and navigating policy and resistance in schools. If you’re asking:  How do I support LGBTQ students right now?  What does inclusive teaching actually look like in practice?  How do I show up authentically as an educator?  You’re in the right place. This is Queering Education, a Teaching While Queer podcast.

  1. 21h ago

    "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 advising a middle school Queer Student Alliance, Stephan reflects on how curriculum, history, and authentic relationships shape school culture. He also shares why queer educators matter far beyond representation and how students often surprise us with their insight, empathy, and willingness to challenge assumptions. Whether discussing Greco-Roman classics, beauty standards, or the importance of trusted adults in schools, this conversation reminds us that inclusive education isn't about removing history. It's about teaching it more honestly and making room for every student to belong. In this conversation:  Why queer educators play an essential role in school communities  Creating affirming spaces that help every student feel safe  Teaching mythology and ancient history through an inclusive perspective  What middle school students can teach adults about empathy and critical thinking  Building community through a middle school Queer Student Alliance  Why representation in curriculum shapes how students see themselves and others Listen to the full conversation, follow Queering Education, and share this episode with an educator working to build a more welcoming classroom. Support the show Queering Education is a Teaching While Queer podcast centering LGBTQ+ educators and the real-world realities of teaching while queer. We explore queer representation in education, including burnout, tokenism, doxing, visibility, boundaries, and advocacy for inclusive classrooms, safe schools, and anti-bullying practices. This podcast supports gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, asexual, aromantic, agender, and two-spirit teachers, and addresses how gender identity in schools can be honored to reduce isolation, protect educators, and build community. Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Equalitees.Me. Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Keywords: Teaching While Queer, queer educators, LGBTQ teachers, inclusive education, gender identity in schools, safe classrooms, anti-bullying strategies, educator burnout, LGBTQ advocacy, queer visibility in education

  2. Jul 9

    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 bring New Jersey's LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum mandate to life, discusses founding one of his school's first GSAs, and explains why queer pedagogy isn't about adding a lesson during Pride Month—it's about helping every student see themselves reflected throughout the curriculum. Whether you teach history, math, science, English, or the arts, this episode offers concrete ways to weave inclusion into the learning experience. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why "heroes and holidays" isn't enough for LGBTQ-inclusive education  How storytelling creates deeper classroom inclusion  Practical ways every subject area can incorporate LGBTQ representation  How queer history helps students connect the past to the present  Why student choice is one of the simplest tools for inclusive teaching  How advocacy and classroom practice work together to support belonging If this conversation resonates with you, follow Queering Education, share the episode with another educator, and help build classrooms where every student can see themselves in the story. Support the show Queering Education is a Teaching While Queer podcast centering LGBTQ+ educators and the real-world realities of teaching while queer. We explore queer representation in education, including burnout, tokenism, doxing, visibility, boundaries, and advocacy for inclusive classrooms, safe schools, and anti-bullying practices. This podcast supports gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, asexual, aromantic, agender, and two-spirit teachers, and addresses how gender identity in schools can be honored to reduce isolation, protect educators, and build community. Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Equalitees.Me. Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Keywords: Teaching While Queer, queer educators, LGBTQ teachers, inclusive education, gender identity in schools, safe classrooms, anti-bullying strategies, educator burnout, LGBTQ advocacy, queer visibility in education

  3. Jul 2

    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 experience in school. From discovering his path into school counseling to navigating today's political climate, Daniel offers a grounded look at what it means to support LGBTQ students while balancing mental health, academic success, and career readiness. He also reflects on the power of representation, why safe spaces matter, and the responsibility educators have to show up authentically for young people. In this episode, you'll learn:  How queer educators can create visible and meaningful safe spaces  The difference between school counseling and traditional therapy  Why representation matters for LGBTQ students  How school counselors support student mental health and academic success  What educators can do when facing pushback or resistance  Why community and collective action remain essential in education For educators, counselors, school leaders, and anyone committed to building inclusive schools, this conversation is a reminder that visibility matters and that students are always watching. Follow, share, and subscribe to help more educators build classrooms rooted in belonging, safety, and authenticity. Support the show Queering Education is a Teaching While Queer podcast centering LGBTQ+ educators and the real-world realities of teaching while queer. We explore queer representation in education, including burnout, tokenism, doxing, visibility, boundaries, and advocacy for inclusive classrooms, safe schools, and anti-bullying practices. This podcast supports gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, asexual, aromantic, agender, and two-spirit teachers, and addresses how gender identity in schools can be honored to reduce isolation, protect educators, and build community. Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Equalitees.Me. Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Keywords: Teaching While Queer, queer educators, LGBTQ teachers, inclusive education, gender identity in schools, safe classrooms, anti-bullying strategies, educator burnout, LGBTQ advocacy, queer visibility in education

  4. Jun 25

    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, Micah shares how dance can become a powerful tool for student expression, body confidence, community building, and social justice learning. From immigration stories to student-created performance art, this conversation highlights what happens when educators trust students to connect their lived experiences with meaningful creative work. The discussion also explores the evolving experiences of LGBTQ educators and what today's teachers can learn from the generations who helped pave the way.  In this episode, you'll learn:  How dance and movement can support student voice and identity development  Ways arts education can strengthen LGBTQ-inclusive teaching practices  Why social justice-centered projects help students connect learning to real life  Strategies for building body confidence and belonging in the classroom  How queer educators can bridge generations of advocacy and progress  What today's students can teach us about authenticity, expression, and resilience If this conversation resonates with you, follow Queering Education, share it with a colleague, and help more educators build classrooms where every student belongs. Support the show Queering Education is a Teaching While Queer podcast centering LGBTQ+ educators and the real-world realities of teaching while queer. We explore queer representation in education, including burnout, tokenism, doxing, visibility, boundaries, and advocacy for inclusive classrooms, safe schools, and anti-bullying practices. This podcast supports gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, asexual, aromantic, agender, and two-spirit teachers, and addresses how gender identity in schools can be honored to reduce isolation, protect educators, and build community. Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Equalitees.Me. Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Keywords: Teaching While Queer, queer educators, LGBTQ teachers, inclusive education, gender identity in schools, safe classrooms, anti-bullying strategies, educator burnout, LGBTQ advocacy, queer visibility in education

  5. Jun 18

    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 Jersey Education Association, the NEA LGBTQ+ Caucus, and statewide advocacy efforts, Carol shares practical wisdom for educators working to support LGBTQ students and foster belonging. This episode explores what today's teachers can learn from past struggles, why community matters more than ever, and how small acts of leadership create lasting change. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why finding community is essential for educator sustainability and resilience  What current attacks on LGBTQ inclusion have in common with past political cycles  How educators can advocate for inclusive classrooms without working alone  Ways to build support networks within schools and districts  Strategies for centering dignity, belonging, and equity for all students  How long-term advocacy creates ripple effects across generations of educators Whether you're a new teacher, school leader, higher education faculty member, or longtime advocate, this conversation offers practical encouragement for showing up authentically and supporting students in meaningful ways. Follow, share, and subscribe to help more educators build schools where every student belongs. Support the show Queering Education is a Teaching While Queer podcast centering LGBTQ+ educators and the real-world realities of teaching while queer. We explore queer representation in education, including burnout, tokenism, doxing, visibility, boundaries, and advocacy for inclusive classrooms, safe schools, and anti-bullying practices. This podcast supports gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, asexual, aromantic, agender, and two-spirit teachers, and addresses how gender identity in schools can be honored to reduce isolation, protect educators, and build community. Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Equalitees.Me. Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Keywords: Teaching While Queer, queer educators, LGBTQ teachers, inclusive education, gender identity in schools, safe classrooms, anti-bullying strategies, educator burnout, LGBTQ advocacy, queer visibility in education

  6. Jun 11

    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 to an openly queer professor. Together, Bryan and Joe explore queer pedagogy, community building, mentorship, and the impact that visible LGBTQ educators can have on students searching for belonging and possibility. In this episode, you'll learn:  Why queer visibility still matters in classrooms today  How LGBTQ educators help students imagine a future for themselves  The unique role community colleges play in educational access and inclusion  What authentic representation looks like beyond performative diversity efforts  How educators can create safer, more inclusive classrooms  Why community remains a critical part of student success and belonging This conversation is for K–12 teachers, higher education faculty, school leaders, and anyone committed to creating more inclusive classrooms where students can see themselves reflected, valued, and supported. Follow, share, and help bring more voices into the conversation about LGBTQ education and belonging. Support the show Queering Education is a Teaching While Queer podcast centering LGBTQ+ educators and the real-world realities of teaching while queer. We explore queer representation in education, including burnout, tokenism, doxing, visibility, boundaries, and advocacy for inclusive classrooms, safe schools, and anti-bullying practices. This podcast supports gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, asexual, aromantic, agender, and two-spirit teachers, and addresses how gender identity in schools can be honored to reduce isolation, protect educators, and build community. Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Equalitees.Me. Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Keywords: Teaching While Queer, queer educators, LGBTQ teachers, inclusive education, gender identity in schools, safe classrooms, anti-bullying strategies, educator burnout, LGBTQ advocacy, queer visibility in education

  7. Jun 4

    “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 students and colleagues. After retiring from more than three decades in Title I schools, Sue began documenting how teachers and librarians are navigating today’s culture wars. From conversations about drag story hour protests to stories of educators facing harassment for supporting LGBTQ youth, this episode examines what authentic allyship looks like in practice—and why visibility still matters. In this episode, you'll learn:  How one former student changed Sue’s approach to LGBTQ inclusion  Why small signals of safety can have a lasting impact on students  What educators shared about teaching during today’s political climate  How allies can support LGBTQ students without placing the burden on queer educators  The role books, storytelling, and representation play in creating belonging  Why community remains one of the strongest forms of resistance Whether you teach in K–12 schools, higher education, or community settings, this conversation offers practical insights on building inclusive classrooms where students and educators can show up authentically. Follow, share, and subscribe to Queering Education to help more educators create schools rooted in belonging, safety, and equity. Purchase "Pushed to the Edge" on Sue's website: http://www.suegranzella.com/ Support the show Queering Education is a Teaching While Queer podcast centering LGBTQ+ educators and the real-world realities of teaching while queer. We explore queer representation in education, including burnout, tokenism, doxing, visibility, boundaries, and advocacy for inclusive classrooms, safe schools, and anti-bullying practices. This podcast supports gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, asexual, aromantic, agender, and two-spirit teachers, and addresses how gender identity in schools can be honored to reduce isolation, protect educators, and build community. Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Equalitees.Me. Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Keywords: Teaching While Queer, queer educators, LGBTQ teachers, inclusive education, gender identity in schools, safe classrooms, anti-bullying strategies, educator burnout, LGBTQ advocacy, queer visibility in education

  8. May 7

    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 up for queer and trans students when systems aren’t built for them. From navigating anti-trans legislation to redefining what classroom inclusion looks like, this conversation centers real educator strategies—not theory. It’s about how teachers are protecting students, pushing back, and creating spaces of belonging even when policies say otherwise. In this episode, you’ll learn:  How educators practice “acts of refusal” to protect LGBTQ students  What queer pedagogy looks like in real classrooms—not just theory  How anti-trans education policy impacts day-to-day teaching  Ways to support students navigating identity, safety, and visibility  Why understanding the law is critical for inclusive teaching If you’re teaching right now, this is the work. Follow, share, and keep showing up for your students. Support the show Queering Education is a Teaching While Queer podcast centering LGBTQ+ educators and the real-world realities of teaching while queer. We explore queer representation in education, including burnout, tokenism, doxing, visibility, boundaries, and advocacy for inclusive classrooms, safe schools, and anti-bullying practices. This podcast supports gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, asexual, aromantic, agender, and two-spirit teachers, and addresses how gender identity in schools can be honored to reduce isolation, protect educators, and build community. Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Equalitees.Me. Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen. Keywords: Teaching While Queer, queer educators, LGBTQ teachers, inclusive education, gender identity in schools, safe classrooms, anti-bullying strategies, educator burnout, LGBTQ advocacy, queer visibility in education

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Queering Education is a Teaching While Queer podcast about LGBTQ inclusive teaching, queer pedagogy, and building authentic, affirming classrooms. Hosted by Bryan Stanton, the show offers practical strategies for educators navigating real challenges in today’s classrooms—connecting theory to practice through conversations, storytelling, and actionable tools.. Each episode centers the lived experiences of queer educators and how they show up for their students, even in systems that weren’t built for them. Whether you’re a K–12 teacher, higher education faculty member, or school leader, you’ll find actionable ways to create affirming learning environments for LGBTQ students and beyond. Through solo episodes and conversations with educators, researchers, and advocates, Queering Education connects theory to practice—covering topics like queer curriculum, equity in education, classroom culture, and navigating policy and resistance in schools. If you’re asking:  How do I support LGBTQ students right now?  What does inclusive teaching actually look like in practice?  How do I show up authentically as an educator?  You’re in the right place. This is Queering Education, a Teaching While Queer podcast.

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