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

Bryan Stanton

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. 5h ago

    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

    14 min

  2. 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

    16 min

  3. 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

    12 min

  4. 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

    47 min

  5. 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

    41 min

  6. 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

    40 min

  7. Apr 30

    I Don’t Want Your Kid to Be Gay—Here’s What I Actually Want | Ep. 204 (with Christian Shearhod)

    What does LGBTQ inclusive teaching actually look like in real classrooms—not theory, not policy, but day-to-day practice? This episode explores how queer pedagogy and inclusive teaching show up through kindness, boundaries, and honest conversations with students. Bryan Stanton sits down with educator Christian Shearhod to talk about what it means to create inclusive classrooms in a time when even basic respect feels politicized. From teaching consent and boundaries to navigating parent pressure and online backlash, this conversation stays grounded in what students actually need. In this episode, you’ll learn:  How to teach LGBTQ inclusion through everyday SEL—not just “big lessons”  Why kindness toward LGBTQ students becomes controversial—and how to respond  Practical ways to teach consent and boundaries without overcomplicating it  How to handle parent pushback while protecting classroom culture  Why queer educators are more essential than ever right now If you’re navigating classroom inclusion, student safety, or showing up authentically as an educator, this one will stay with you. Follow, share, and bring what resonates back to 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

    33 min

  8. Apr 23

    Safe Space Stickers Aren’t Enough: The Truth About Allyship in Classrooms | Ep. 203 (with Shelby Hall Denney)

    What does LGBTQ inclusive teaching actually look like beyond posters and policies? This episode digs into the real work of building inclusive classrooms through queer pedagogy, lived experience, and practical strategies educators can use right now. Bryan sits down with Shelby Hall Denney from PFLAG NYC’s Safe Schools program to unpack what it means to move from performative allyship to meaningful classroom inclusion. From navigating policy confusion to supporting LGBTQ students through authentic representation, this conversation stays grounded in the realities educators face every day. In this episode, you’ll learn:  How to move from “safe space” signals to real, actionable allyship  Why curiosity over judgment is key in difficult conversations  What inclusive teaching looks like across grade levels  How policy (and lack of clarity) impacts classroom practice  Why representation matters more than one-off “identity lessons”  How queer educators can sustain themselves while doing this work This is for educators who want to show up fully—for their students and themselves. Follow, share, and keep building classrooms where everyone 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

    35 min
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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

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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