Teaching While Queer Bryan Stanton

Teaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 33
Sitting down with Damon Young (he/him) at the University of Strathclyde, we enter the world of a queer educator where the intersection of personal identity and professional life creates a tapestry of rich experiences. Together, we navigate the shifting sands of language, discussing the reclamation of terms that once stung but now empower. As Damon shares his life as a gay cisgender male embracing the label 'queer,' I find common ground in the word's comfort and its generational journey from slur to badge of pride. This conversation is a testament to the evolution of language and our place within its narrative.

Our dialogue takes a poignant turn as we reminisce about the challenges and victories of growing up queer, from the oppressive days shadowed by Section 28 to the unexpected sanctuaries like school bands where acceptance bloomed. We chronicle the remarkable transformation from the '90s, a time of overt discrimination, to today's landscape of increased LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. The tales of our past—of bullying, finding community in music, and the ongoing pursuit of self-identity—are interwoven with the acknowledgment that knowing and celebrating our history is a form of empowerment, and educates us on the collective journey toward acceptance.

The episode culminates in an exploration of advocacy and policy within academia, a realm where equality, diversity, and inclusion are still being actively forged. Damon and I dissect the nuances of LGBTQ+ policies across UK universities, the struggle for consistent interpretation, and the need for policies that go beyond legal compliance. We reflect on the importance of allies, the creation of supportive networks, and the aspirations to shape educational institutions into bastions of inclusivity. Listen in for an honest look at the quest for an equitable society and the resilience of the queer educational community.
Support the Show.
To be a guest or to hear more episodes visit www.teachingwhilequeer.com.

Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram at @TeachingWhileQueer.

You can find host, Bryan Stanton, on Instagram.

Support the podcast by becoming a subscriber. For information click here.

Teaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 32
When the curtains rise on the stage of life, we are often met with a cast of characters who shape our journey. Brandon Box Higdon stands out as a beacon of strength and inspiration, joining us to unravel his narrative as a queer theater educator. Through heartfelt conversations, we delve into Brandon's personal milestones of self-discovery, the dichotomy of family acceptance, and the true essence of open dialogue. His experiences illuminate the profound effects that empathy and understanding can have on the roads we travel, both inside and outside the classroom.

As the spotlight shines on the sanctuary that theater provides, I share my own tales of crafting a haven for students to express their identities. The resonance of a transgender student's theatrical transformation underscores the critical need for inclusivity in our educational spaces. My reflections on the interplay between historical theater traditions and contemporary gender debates fuse with gratitude for the support I've found as a queer educator in Arkansas. This serves as a poignant reminder of the power that lies within the arts to foster acceptance and challenge the status quo.

Charting the course of LGBTQ+ inclusion in education isn't without its hurdles, especially within the conservative landscapes of places like San Antonio, Texas. I recount the pushback against a school production I directed and the ensuing struggle against censorship, spotlighting the complexities of advocating for diversity amidst shifting political tides. This episode is an anthem to the ongoing fight for representation and the courage it takes to stand firm in our identities. Listen in as we navigate these experiences, offering wisdom for educators embarking on similar paths, and affirm the belief that our voices and stories are instrumental in shaping a world that embraces every hue of humanity.
Support the Show.
To be a guest or to hear more episodes visit www.teachingwhilequeer.com.

Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram at @TeachingWhileQueer.

You can find host, Bryan Stanton, on Instagram.

Support the podcast by becoming a subscriber. For information click here.

Teaching. While Queer, Season 2, Episode 31
When you walk through the halls of academia as a queer individual, the echoes of your identity resonate with every step. That's why I sat with Steph Graham (she/her), a beacon of light for those navigating the professional world while proudly owning their queerness. Together, we unpack the complexities of queer experiences in education, shedding light on the often-unspoken hurdles and the liberating journey toward authenticity. Steph, with her adept coaching skills, provides a roadmap for students and teachers alike who are yearning to find their place in an environment that has not always been kind to those who dare to be different.

Steph and I peel back the layers of what it means to be an educator who doesn't quite fit the traditional mold. From the importance of creating a resume that sings with your personal values to navigating interviews with the precision of someone who knows just how much is at stake, we guide you through the nuances of establishing your presence in the world of teaching. The conversation is a heart-to-heart on the critical nature of inclusive practices—not just for the personal validation of queer staff but more so for the students looking for a beacon of hope in their own journey of self-discovery.

We wrap things up with a candid discussion on the true essence of allyship within the LGBTQ+ community in educational settings. From the silent solidarity of safe space stickers to the more vocal advocates, we dissect what it means to stand beside someone in their quest for acceptance. Moreover, we tackle the ongoing challenges faced by underrepresented groups, like women in STEM, and celebrate the victories, big and small, that keep the wheels of progress turning. This is not just a talk; it's a tribute to the transformative power of embracing every student's identity and the educators who are shaping a future where everyone can learn and thrive without fear. Join us for an enlightening journey through the heart of teaching while queer.
Support the Show.
To be a guest or to hear more episodes visit www.teachingwhilequeer.com.

Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram at @TeachingWhileQueer.

You can find host, Bryan Stanton, on Instagram.

Support the podcast by becoming a subscriber. For information click here.

Teaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 30
When Zachary Zahand (he/him), a dynamic middle school theater teacher, stepped into my studio, I knew we were about to embark on a profound exploration of queer education and identity. Together, we unravel Zachary's colorful tapestry of experiences, from the shift in teaching environments to the layers of queer identity that transcend the simple dichotomy of gay or queer. This revelatory exchange with Zachary peels back the veil on the complexities of embracing one's full self amidst the weave of professional life and personal growth.

Navigating the educational landscape as an LGBTQ educator carries its unique set of challenges and moments of triumph. This episode delves into the life-changing impact of supportive family, the power of inclusive language, and the creation of safe spaces where students can flourish. As we wade into the conversation, we acknowledge the shared narratives of educators like us, including the famed Willie Carver's poetic journey, underscoring the transformative power of authenticity in the classroom, and the necessity of being seen and heard for the diverse students we serve.

Wrapping up our heartfelt dialogue, Zachary and I offer a guiding light for LGBTQ educators, especially those in the public school trenches. We discuss the importance of finding support, whether through unions or associations, and share practical advice for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This episode stands as a testament to the progress we've made and the roads still to travel, offering solace and solidarity to those shaping young minds while navigating their own queer identities. Join us for an episode that not only enlightens but empowers, as we affirm the unyielding strength of living and teaching with authenticity.
Support the Show.
To be a guest or to hear more episodes visit www.teachingwhilequeer.com.

Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram at @TeachingWhileQueer.

You can find host, Bryan Stanton, on Instagram.

Support the podcast by becoming a subscriber. For information click here.

Teaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 29
Grab your headphones and get ready for an enlightening conversation that takes us into the heart of what it means to be a queer educator today. Our guest, Nicky Meindl (they/them), isn't just any teacher; they're a non-binary trans and queer special education trailblazer who opens up about the colorful tapestry of their life and the courage required to navigate identity in a not-always-accepting world. From the freewheeling days of band camp to the stricter corridors of academia, Nicky's story is a vivid illustration of resilience that challenges norms and champions authenticity.

Language is a living, breathing entity that reflects the ever-changing society we inhabit. In this episode, we tackle the complexities and joys of incorporating gender-neutral pronouns in the classroom, with Nicky providing insight into the delicate balance of fostering respect in a space still riddled with resistance. Revel in the adaptability of language—particularly Spanish—as we discuss its evolution to be more inclusive, even when faced with generational pushback. Hear Nicky's personal experiences with anti-queer sentiment, and how they navigate these waters with the grace and wisdom that only a dedicated educator can embody.

We conclude our journey by casting a hopeful gaze towards the horizon of LGBTQ+ advocacy and education. I reveal the struggles of being the singular queer teacher at my school, the energy it takes to carve out supportive networks, and the plans afoot to unite queer educators come 2024. Nicky and I reflect on the importance of correct pronoun use, the power of leading by example, and the shared dream of a future where all students and educators can thrive, celebrated for the full spectrum of who they are. This is more than just an episode; it's a beacon for what inclusive education can, and should, look like.
Support the Show.
To be a guest or to hear more episodes visit www.teachingwhilequeer.com.

Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram at @TeachingWhileQueer.

You can find host, Bryan Stanton, on Instagram.

Support the podcast by becoming a subscriber. For information click here.

Have you ever stood at the crossroads of identity and academia, feeling the undercurrents of history and personal narrative tug at your feet? That's where my guest, Andre Zarate (he/they/siyá), and I find common ground. As an adjunct professor and doctoral researcher, Andre is pioneering the House of Legends school model, a place where queer students' identities are not just seen but celebrated. Together, we traverse the landscapes of Philippinex queer youth, gendered language, and the powerful lessons embedded in our ancestral roots.

The classroom can be a confessional, a stage, or a sanctuary. In this episode, Andre and I swap tales of personal awakenings within and beyond the hallowed halls of learning. From my rebellious childhood gestures against gender norms to Andre's enlightening pilgrimage to New York City, we discuss the transformative impact of accepting one's queer identity in educational spaces. We also shed light on the mentorship that guides us, the visibility that emboldens us, and the silent strength found in the simple act of raising a pride flag.

Imagine if schools were more than just buildings; if they were vibrant communities that hailed creativity and queer culture. We wrap up our conversation by dissecting the blueprint of such an institution. House of Legends isn't a mere dream—it's a vision in the making, encompassing the hope for queer-focused education where humanities and arts take center stage, and every student is encouraged to fully embody their unique identity. Join us as we peer into a future where the echoes of our struggles pave the way for a generation of students who will never have to choose between education and authenticity.
Support the Show.
To be a guest or to hear more episodes visit www.teachingwhilequeer.com.

Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram at @TeachingWhileQueer.

You can find host, Bryan Stanton, on Instagram.

Support the podcast by becoming a subscriber. For information click here.