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

Bryan Stanton
  • 5.0 (21)
  • EDUCATION
  • SEMIWEEKLY SERIES

Teaching While Queer is a bold, unfiltered podcast at the intersection of queerness, education, and resistance. If you’ve ever felt isolated in your classroom, silenced by policy, burned out by “inclusion” that’s all talk, or unsure how to survive and stay authentic in education—this podcast is for you. Hosted by Bryan Stanton (they/them)—award-winning educator, theatre pedagogy scholar, and founder of the Teaching While Queer movement—each episode centers real stories from LGBTQ+ educators navigating book bans, identity erasure, gender-affirming teaching, burnout, institutional harm, and the radical act of staying. You’ll hear conversations with teachers, professors, counselors, administrators, artists, and organizers who are: Teaching truth in hostile systemsBuilding inclusive classrooms without self-sacrificeReclaiming joy, rest, and collective careRefusing to disappear This podcast isn’t about fitting in. It’s about staying, surviving, and changing the system anyway. 🎙 New episodes weekly  🎧 Start with Episode 139: “5 Ways Queer Educators Can Build Inclusive Classrooms Without Burning Out”

  1. How Global Educators Confront Queer Inclusion & Resistance | Ep. 1 (with Romain, he/him)

    EPISODE 1

    How Global Educators Confront Queer Inclusion & Resistance | Ep. 1 (with Romain, he/him)

    What does it mean to teach while queer in a country where inclusion and resistance collide? In this premiere episode, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) travels across the Atlantic to speak with Romain about teaching languages and advocating for inclusion in France. Together they reflect on growing up queer in a small town, finding love and security early in life, and how recent political movements in France mirror anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric in the U.S. They discuss the importance of bridging culture and language to create understanding — and why solidarity across borders matters more than ever. Listeners will learn how to: Compare queer acceptance and backlash in Europe and the U.S.Teach about identity and equity within language and culture coursesSupport students facing discrimination without overstepping boundariesRecognize how global movements against LGBTQ+ rights intersect across nationsBuild allyship and resilience in queer academic spaces Romain (he/him) is a French language educator and translator living in Valence, France. He teaches German and cultural studies at the university level and shares his journey as an openly gay teacher who brings inclusion and historical context to the classroom. Listen & Subscribe 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast app 💬 Subscribe for new episodes every other week 🌐 Visit teachingwhilequeer.org 📲 Follow @TeachingWhileQueer Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Equalitees.Me! This podcast explores the challenges and successes of queer representation in education, tackling topics like burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the role of advocacy in building inclusive classrooms, safe spaces, and anti-bullying strategies. It centers support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, asexual, aromantic, agender, two-spirit, and non-binary teachers, and addresses how gender identity in schools can be honored to combat isolation and foster community. Resources: European Commission – Teaching While Queer is a 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 TikTok. 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

    42 min
  2. Finding Balance, Building Boundaries, and Creating Safe Stages — with Michael Musgrave-Perkins (he/him) | Ep. 2

    EPISODE 2

    Finding Balance, Building Boundaries, and Creating Safe Stages — with Michael Musgrave-Perkins (he/him) | Ep. 2

    "You don’t have to mine your trauma to make good art. Teach with empathy, but protect your peace.”  In this episode of Teaching While Queer, host Bryan Stanton (he/they) sits down with Michael Musgrave-Perkins (he/him) — theatre department chair at Grand Center Arts Academy in St. Louis, Missouri — for an honest and insightful conversation about growing up gay in the Midwest, surviving being outed as a teen, and finding strength and authenticity through theatre education. Michael shares his journey from a touring actor with the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival to becoming a full-time educator, GSA co-sponsor, and champion for queer visibility in the arts. Together, Bryan and Michael explore how personal trauma shapes compassionate teaching, why boundaries matter for both teachers and students, and how queer educators can thrive — even under the pressure of public scrutiny. Key Takeaways The power of theatre education to teach empathy, resilience, and “portable life skills.”Michael’s powerful story of being outed as a teen — and how that experience informs his teaching today.Why setting emotional and professional boundaries protects both teachers and students.How queer educators can model authenticity while navigating stigma, “groomer” rhetoric, and fear.The importance of knowing queer history — from the AIDS epidemic to drag culture — to build student understanding and pride.Tips for fostering inclusive, affirming school communities even in conservative environments. Resources & LinksGrand Center Arts Academy: grandcenterartsacademy.orgTeaching While Queer Website: www.teachingwhilequeer.orgEmail: teachingwhilequeerpodcast@gmail.comFollow on Instagram: @TeachingWhileQueer Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Equalitees.Me! This podcast explores the challenges and successes of queer representation in education, tackling topics like burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the role of advocacy in building inclusive classrooms, safe spaces, and anti-bully Teaching While Queer is a 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 TikTok. 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

    56 min
  3. Faith, Fear & Finding Authenticity in the Classroom — with Dr. Jimmy Chrismon (he/him) | Ep. 3

    EPISODE 3

    Faith, Fear & Finding Authenticity in the Classroom — with Dr. Jimmy Chrismon (he/him) | Ep. 3

    “You can only be your authentic self when you’re safe — but even when you’re not, you can still leave glimpses of your light.”  In this deeply moving episode of Teaching While Queer, host Bryan Stanton (he/they) speaks with Dr. Jimmy Chrismon (he/him), a theatre education professor at Illinois State University, about navigating faith, fear, and authenticity as a queer educator. Jimmy shares his powerful story of growing up in a devout religious household, enduring conversion therapy, and teaching in the public school system for 17 years before he was ever able to say the words “I’m a gay teacher” out loud. Now, as a college professor mentoring the next generation of theatre teachers, he helps his students build inclusive classrooms — and redefine what it means to create truly negotiated spaces for learning. This episode is a testament to the courage it takes to live authentically and the quiet revolutions that happen when educators lead with empathy, reflection, and truth. Key TakeawaysThe long shadow of conversion therapy: how early trauma shapes queer identity in adulthood.From fear to freedom: Jimmy’s first time coming out publicly — to his college students.“Negotiated space” vs. “safe space”: a new framework for trauma-informed classrooms.How authenticity invites trust: why students value realness over perfection.Faith and queerness can coexist: finding spirituality after religious rejection.Advice for queer student teachers: how to protect your peace while showing up authentically. About the GuestDr. Jimmy Chrismon (he/him) is a theatre educator and professor at Illinois State University, where he heads the Theatre Teacher Education Program. With over 17 years in secondary education, Jimmy brings compassion, humor, and honesty to his work training future teachers. His research focuses on trauma-informed pedagogy, negotiated classroom spaces, and queer representation in the arts. He is also the host of ThedTalks: A Theatre Education Podcast, where he highlights theatre educators’ stories and shares practical classroom insights. Resources & LinksIllinois State University School of Theatre and Dance: finearts.illinoisstate.edu/theatre-danceFed Talk: A Theatre Education Podcast — fedtalkpodcast.comTeaching While Queer — Teaching While Queer is a 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 TikTok. 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
  4. Affirmation Over Acceptance: Suicide Prevention & Queer Parenting | Ep. 4 (with Dr. Lulu)

    EPISODE 4

    Affirmation Over Acceptance: Suicide Prevention & Queer Parenting | Ep. 4 (with Dr. Lulu)

    “Affirmation is not just saying, ‘I accept you.’ It’s saying, ‘You are beautiful — exactly as you are.’” ⚠️ Content Warning: This episode discusses suicide and mental health within the LGBTQIA+ community. Please listen with care. In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, host Bryan Stanton (he/they) sits down with Dr. Lulu (she/they) — a retired U.S. Air Force pediatrician, TEDx speaker, author, and parent coach — to explore how affirmation can save lives. Born and raised in Nigeria, one of Africa’s most homophobic nations, Dr. Lulu brings both medical expertise and lived experience as a queer woman and mother of a transgender daughter. Together, Bryan and Dr. Lulu unpack the difference between tolerance, acceptance, and affirmation, the colonial roots of homophobia, and the life-saving power of parental love and visibility. Dr. Lulu’s work reframes suicide prevention as a form of radical parenting and offers educators, caregivers, and allies new tools to support queer youth with compassion and courage. About the GuestDr. Lulu (she/they) — also known as The Momatrician — is a Nigerian-born, U.S.-based pediatrician, retired Air Force officer, TEDx speaker, and award-winning LGBTQIA+ advocate. She now works as a life coach specializing in parents of queer and trans youth, helping families move from fear to affirmation. A passionate storyteller, Dr. Lulu hosts The Parent Hour radio show and has delivered multiple TEDx Talks on suicide prevention, vulnerability, and rethinking the closet. She lives in San Antonio, Texas, and is a proud mother of three, including a transgender daughter. Resources & Links🌐 Dr. Lulu Official Website📻 The Parent Hour on KLMO 98.9 FM / 92.1 FM🎤 TEDx Talk: Rethinking the Closet — Inviting In vs. Coming Out📚 Invited In (upcoming book by Dr. Lulu)✉️ teachingwhilequeerpodcast@gmail.com🔗 teachingwhilequeer.org📲 Follow @TeachingWhileQueer Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Teaching While Queer is a 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 TikTok. 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

    54 min
  5. Finding Safety in the Spotlight: Theatre, Faith, and Identity | Ep. 6 (with Abe Ramirez)

    EPISODE 6

    Finding Safety in the Spotlight: Theatre, Faith, and Identity | Ep. 6 (with Abe Ramirez)

    “Theatre is the one place where my students can take off their masks — not put them on. That’s the real performance: being yourself.” n this episode of Teaching While Queer, host Bryan Stanton sits down with Abe Ramirez (he/him) — a high school theatre director in San Antonio — to talk about what it means to create safe, authentic spaces for queer students on and off the stage. Abe opens up about his journey as a gay Latinx educator navigating faith, identity, and the politics of being out in the classroom. Together, Bryan and Abe explore the parallels between theatre and self-expression, how storytelling can become activism, and why representation for LGBTQ+ youth matters now more than ever. From small-town Texas stages to big conversations about inclusion, this episode shines a light on the transformative power of theatre — not just as art, but as a sanctuary. Trigger Warning: This conversation includes discussion of identity-based discrimination and religious trauma. 🎭 Key Topics: Navigating queerness in public educationCreating affirming spaces in performing artsRepresentation and self-expression through theatreReconciling faith, family, and authenticityBuilding community and allyship in conservative settings Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Equalitees.Me! This podcast explores the challenges and successes of queer representation in education, tackling topics like burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the role of advocacy in building inclusive classrooms, safe spaces, and anti-bullying strategies. It centers support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, asexual, aromantic, agender, two-spirit, and non-binary teachers, and addresses how gender identity in schools can be honored to combat isolation and foster community. Teaching While Queer is a podcast for LGBTQ+ educators navigating teaching, leadership, and survival in today’s schools. The show explores queer and trans representation in education, educator burnout, book bans, workplace discrimination, tokenism, doxing, and advocacy—while sharing practical strategies for building inclusive classrooms, affirming school cultures, and safer learning environments. Episodes center gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, asexual, aromantic, agender, and Two-Spirit educators, with conversations on gender identity in schools, anti- Teaching While Queer is a 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 TikTok. 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

    1h 13m
  6. How Theatre Education Opens Space for Gender Exploration | Ep. 7 (with Susannah Crowell)

    EPISODE 7

    How Theatre Education Opens Space for Gender Exploration | Ep. 7 (with Susannah Crowell)

    “Language affects what our brains think is possible — and once kids have the words, their world gets bigger.” For theatre educators, teaching is about more than performance — it’s about creating brave spaces for self-discovery. 🎭 In this episode, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) sits down with Susannah Crowell (they/she), a nonbinary musical theatre educator, to discuss how theatre classrooms can become affirming laboratories for identity, empathy, and radical acceptance. This conversation is for arts educators, elementary teachers, and teaching artists who want to better support gender exploration and inclusive expression in their classrooms. Listeners will learn: How performance and play help children explore identity safelySimple, age-appropriate ways to introduce pronouns and inclusive languageWhy “radical acceptance” matters in every classroomHow educators can balance authenticity, boundaries, and safetyWhat it means to “teach the art of being human” About Our Guest: Susannah Crowell (they/she) is a performer and musical theatre educator with over a decade of experience teaching preschool through fifth grade. Based in Austin and New York, they integrate creative curriculum design and social-emotional learning through the performing arts. Susanna identifies as nonbinary and pansexual and is passionate about creating spaces where young people — and educators — can show up fully as themselves. Resources & Links: My Shadow Is Purple and My Shadow Is Pink by Scott Stuart – scottstuart.me/booksTexas Inclusive Practices Course (TEA) – tea.texas.govHurricane Bianca films (for educators seeking queer comedy & reflection)Teaching While Queer Podcast Archive – teachingwhilequeer.org Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Equalitees.Me! This podcast explores the challenges and successes of queer representation in education, tackling topics like burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the role of advocacy in building inclusive classrooms, safe spaces, and anti-bullying strategies. It centers support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, Teaching While Queer is a 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 TikTok. 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

    1 hr
  7. Healing Through Harmony: Finding Belonging in Music Education | Ep. 8 (with Ben Wilkinson)

    EPISODE 8

    Healing Through Harmony: Finding Belonging in Music Education | Ep. 8 (with Ben Wilkinson)

    “If you can’t teach through the lens of humanity, then what’s the point of the standards? The music won’t mean anything without compassion.”  In this heartfelt episode, Bryan Stanton (they/them) sits down with Ben Wilkinson (he/him) — a music educator, color guard coach, and proud queer teacher from Northern California — to explore how the arts can become a refuge for identity, empathy, and connection. From surviving small-town homophobia to reclaiming his voice in education, Ben’s story is a testament to the power of music as community and teaching as healing. Together, they unpack what it means to return to spaces that once caused trauma, support queer students in conservative areas, and build classrooms rooted in compassion and humanity. Key TakeawaysHow Ben’s experiences as a closeted gay student shaped his inclusive teaching philosophyWhy arts programs often serve as sanctuaries for queer and questioning youthThe balance between compassion and accountability when teaching students with conflicting beliefsHow to protect your mental health as an educator and model emotional wellness for studentsThe transformative impact of teachers like Dr. Diana Hollinger, who inspire generations of musicians and educators About Our GuestBen Wilkinson (he/him) is a music education student and longtime color guard instructor from the Bay Area. With nearly two decades of experience coaching, teaching, and mentoring young performers, Ben’s mission is to create inclusive spaces in the arts where every student feels safe, seen, and celebrated. He’s currently finishing his bachelor’s degree in Music Education at San Jose State University, under the mentorship of Dr. Diana Hollinger. Resources & LinksTeaching While QueerThe Trevor Project – Support & crisis intervention for LGBTQ youthLearning for Justice – LGBTQ+ ResourcesNAfME – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Music Education Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Teaching While Queer is a 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 TikTok. 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

    46 min
  8. How Theater Teachers Build Belonging After Trauma | Ep. 9 (with Kolby Campbell)

    EPISODE 9

    How Theater Teachers Build Belonging After Trauma | Ep. 9 (with Kolby Campbell)

    “I wanted every student I met to know they had one person on campus who would literally roll up to a teacher’s door for them — because I didn’t.”  This episode is for theatre educators, LGBTQ+ teachers, and school leaders who are striving to create classrooms where every student feels safe, seen, and valued — even after facing trauma or burnout. In this deeply personal conversation, Bryan Stanton (they/them) sits down with Kolby Campbell (he/him), a theatre teacher from Carrollton, Texas, who opens up about surviving relentless bullying, rediscovering his purpose through teaching, and navigating mental health challenges during the pandemic. Listeners will gain insight into how queer educators transform pain into empathy, build relationships that heal, and advocate for systemic change in education. Key TakeawaysHow Colby’s experience with anti-gay bullying shaped his approach to inclusive teachingPractical ways to build authentic student relationships rooted in mutual respectThe impact of hybrid learning on educator mental health — and strategies for recoveryHow schools can create cultures of care and accountability through admin supportWhy theatre education can lead the way in restoring humanity and belonging in schools About Our GuestKolby Campbell (he/him) is a high school theatre teacher in Carrollton, Texas. A proud gay educator and advocate for student belonging, Kolby has led campus-wide professional development on microaggressions and teaching LGBTQIA+ students with empathy. His work centers on building inclusive spaces where all students — queer, BIPOC, and beyond — can thrive. Resources & LinksTeaching While QueerDavid’s Legacy Foundation – Anti-Cyberbullying ResourcesLearning for Justice – LGBTQ+ Inclusive Classroom ResourcesNational Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Educator Mental Health Support Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Teaching While Queer is a 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 TikTok. 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

    54 min
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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

Teaching While Queer is a bold, unfiltered podcast at the intersection of queerness, education, and resistance. If you’ve ever felt isolated in your classroom, silenced by policy, burned out by “inclusion” that’s all talk, or unsure how to survive and stay authentic in education—this podcast is for you. Hosted by Bryan Stanton (they/them)—award-winning educator, theatre pedagogy scholar, and founder of the Teaching While Queer movement—each episode centers real stories from LGBTQ+ educators navigating book bans, identity erasure, gender-affirming teaching, burnout, institutional harm, and the radical act of staying. You’ll hear conversations with teachers, professors, counselors, administrators, artists, and organizers who are: Teaching truth in hostile systemsBuilding inclusive classrooms without self-sacrificeReclaiming joy, rest, and collective careRefusing to disappear This podcast isn’t about fitting in. It’s about staying, surviving, and changing the system anyway. 🎙 New episodes weekly  🎧 Start with Episode 139: “5 Ways Queer Educators Can Build Inclusive Classrooms Without Burning Out”

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