The Gay Teachers Lounge

Celeste Taylor

Welcome to the podcast where we amplify the voices of queer teachers. Join us as we explore personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs in the education system. We'll also have discussions about anti-gay legislation aimed at schools and its impact on educators and students alike. Each episode features in-depth interviews with gay teachers from diverse backgrounds, offering listeners a glimpse into their lives. We'll discuss topics such as discrimination and advocacy, while also examining the political landscape affecting LGBTQIA+ educators and students. Expect candid conversations about working toward more inclusive and equitable educational environments. Our goal is to create community for all of us despite the fact we are scattered across the country, and beyond. Keep up with the podcast on these socials: Instagram: @the.gay.teachers.lounge TikTok: @thegayteacherslounge Thank you for listening! If you're enjoying this podcast, you can support it here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge

  1. "Do You Listen to Girl in Red?" : Tina, a Queer Teacher’s Story from the Front Lines of Education

    FEB 19

    "Do You Listen to Girl in Red?" : Tina, a Queer Teacher’s Story from the Front Lines of Education

    Tina, a special education elementary school teacher in the south is my guest today! At 21 years old, fresh out of college, she was asked a simple question by a seventh grader: “Do you listen to Girl in Red?” In that split second, she had to decide whether she was going to out herself to an entire classroom. She said yes — and from that moment on, she became “the gay teacher.” In this episode, we talk about what it’s really like to be a queer educator in a conservative Southern district — from safe space stickers being banned to a megachurch's influence on a school board, scripted curriculum surveillance, and year-to-year contracts with no permanent status. We also discuss: • Teaching special education in a moderate-to-severe classroom • Being moved into roles you aren't licensed or credentialed for • “Nook and crook” curriculum walkthroughs • Teachers quitting mid-year • Why burnout is hitting harder than ever This is a raw, honest conversation about identity, integrity, and what it costs to continue working in public education in the United States right now. If you’ve ever wondered why teachers are leaving — or what it takes to remain — this episode is for you. Sorry for the abrupt ending! Tina and I began talking about something else, and we never said goodbye to you all! ^~^ If you are enjoying the podcast and would like to help support it, you can do so here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge

    1h 5m
  2. Teaching While Queer in Texas: Alex, a Lesbian Band Director on Care, Fear, and Quiet Resistance

    FEB 2

    Teaching While Queer in Texas: Alex, a Lesbian Band Director on Care, Fear, and Quiet Resistance

    In this episode, I’m joined by Alex, a lesbian band teacher in Texas, for an honest conversation about teaching while queer in a political climate that often feels hostile to both educators and LGBTQ+ people. Alex talks about what it means to love and care for students who may not accept her if they knew she’s married to a woman, how she navigates visibility and safety in her school, and the quiet, creative ways teachers protect kids while staying within the rules. From the emotional weight of being “out” in a red state to moments of clever resistance inside the classroom, this conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and deeply human. This episode isn’t about outrage — it’s about care, integrity, and showing up for students even when the system makes it hard. 🎧 Topics we cover: – Being an out lesbian teacher in Texas – Loving students amid fear and uncertainty – Teaching in the South as a queer educator – Quiet resistance and “malicious compliance” in schools – Why care is not political — but still feels radical – Our own memories from middle school! Here is a link to Human Rights Initiative of North Texas https://hrionline.org/ If you’re an educator, a queer person navigating unsafe spaces, or someone who believes public schools should be places of care and dignity, this conversation is for you. If you'd like to support the Gay Teachers Lounge, you can here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge

    1h 4m
  3. Noah, a Trans Elementary PE Teacher on Boundaries, Honesty, and Supporting Students

    JAN 20

    Noah, a Trans Elementary PE Teacher on Boundaries, Honesty, and Supporting Students

    Noah, a third-year PE teacher at a large elementary school with nearly 1,000 students, discusses his experiences teaching. We talk about intense workloads and the all-too-common exhaustion of the profession. We talk about Gen Alpha, class sizes, students' SEL, and so much more. Grab a chair and get comfy in the Gay Teachers Lounge with us. Books that were mentioned: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid Thank You for Calling the Lesbian Line by Elizabeth Lovatt Iris Kelly Doesn't Date by Ashley Herring Blake If you'd like to support the Gay Teachers Lounge, you can here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge

    47 min
  4. Bex, a Transmasculine Kindergarten Teacher, Being Their Authentic Self and Modeling Safety for Kids

    12/29/2025

    Bex, a Transmasculine Kindergarten Teacher, Being Their Authentic Self and Modeling Safety for Kids

    Recorded when the show was previously titled The Lesbian Class PodcastContent note: This episode includes a story about transphobic language used by a colleague while discussing a transgender character on television. The language is censored. Triggering content timestamps: 14:52–16:36 Bex, a non-binary, transmasc kindergarten teacher, shares their journey of realizing the importance of being out as a non-binary educator, particularly after a meaningful interaction with a child in a rural area who later thanked them for their visibility. They discuss the impact of queerness in education, including a humorous yet educational moment in class where their students incorrectly used the term "gay," but that moment provided an opportunity to teach about inclusivity. Bex also highlights the importance of safe and supportive environments for such conversations. We discuss the challenges of them often being misgendered by colleagues, particularly focusing on the role that peer pressure and social signaling play in social settings. Here are some links to what we discussed! Alison Bechdel’s "Fun Home": The Coming-Out Memoir That Became a Hit Broadway Musical: an Interview with Alison Bechdel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gputc-vy_zg And Tango Makes Three read aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJkYykP3qqA&t=17s Julián is a Mermaid Read Aloud: https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/ll117-julian-mermaid-video/lets-learn/ What are Your Words read aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGqi1Q2x8PY&t=219s TikTok: TheGayTeachersLounge Instagram: The.Gay.Teachers.Lounge

    1h 2m
  5. Gabi, a Lesbian Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Focuses on Inclusivity in Her Classroom

    12/22/2025

    Gabi, a Lesbian Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Focuses on Inclusivity in Her Classroom

    Recorded when the show was previously titled The Lesbian Class Podcast.Gabi is a kindergarten teacher with 7 years of experience in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community. Gabi and I discussed her identity as a proud, out, queer educator and her commitment to creating an inclusive learning space for her students and their families. Our conversation explored how Gabi navigates cultural conflicts and misconceptions while being visibly queer in her field. We discussed the importance of representation of diverse people in children's literature and how Gabi's identity shapes the emotional world of her classroom. Gabi shared the struggles she still experiences as a queer educator, still wondering if she will be respected by parents, especially those from different cultural and religious backgrounds, in certain situations. Gabi's efforts to help young students understand that diverse people exist deserves a round of applause! Gabi runs a TpT, too! Here is the link to her resources she has made for teachers of the Deaf and hard of hearing. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/kiss-fist-prints If you're interested in learning American Sign Language, check out Gabi's recommended sites/apps: https://www.lifeprint.com/ https://www.aslbloom.com/ TikTok: TheGayTeachersLounge Instagram: The.Gay.Teachers.Lounge If you enjoy the podcast, you can support it here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge

    1h 7m
  6. Josie, Creating Safe & Supportive Classrooms: Her Experiences as a Transgender Middle School Teacher

    12/02/2025

    Josie, Creating Safe & Supportive Classrooms: Her Experiences as a Transgender Middle School Teacher

    Recorded when the show was previously titled The Lesbian Class PodcastToday's guest is Josie, a 7th-grade teacher and transgender woman. We discuss her path into education and her journey of self-discovery. After six years in the museum field and some encouragement from her wife during the pandemic, Josie became a middle school teacher — and she’s now five years in, thriving in a supportive, accepting school environment. Her story shows how living authentically can lead to deeper relationships, greater joy, and a more fulfilling life. Links to Josie's gay goings-on: Witches of Moondale by Lou Wilham https://www.louinprogress.com/ Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree https://torpublishinggroup.com/legends-lattes/?swpmtx=27319fbaaf59113fed54bd848a9dfc52&isbn=9781250342782&format=hardback#038;swpmtxnonce=64b2cd060c The Locked Tomb Series by Tamryn Muir https://thelockedtomb.fandom.com/wiki/Gideon_the_Ninth_(Novel) Dogma Band https://officialdogma.com/#top I hope you enjoy this episode and if there is anything you're interested in hearing in a future episode, please let me know! You can send me a DM on the following socials: TikTok: TheGayTeachersLounge Instagram: The.Gay.Teachers.Lounge If you enjoy the podcast, you can support it here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge

    1h 7m
  7. Rachel, a beloved lesbian high school art teacher thrives in full confidence and self-acceptance

    11/18/2025

    Rachel, a beloved lesbian high school art teacher thrives in full confidence and self-acceptance

    Recorded when the show was previously titled The Lesbian Class PodcastRachel, a veteran high school art teacher, discusses her teaching experience in a Title I school and her journey of embodying a more masculine presentation through her hair cut and personal style. She shared insights about her classroom environment, dress code experiences, and wearing clothing that aligns with her unique style as a masc-presenting lesbian. Rachel also discusses her experiences as an openly gay teacher and shares the importance of fully owning all parts of ourselves to be confident in our classrooms! We talked a lot about her fashion and appearance in this episode, so if there is something else you'd like to hear about in a future episode with Rachel, please leave a comment below! TikTok: TheGayTeachersLounge Instagram: The.Gay.Teachers.Lounge If you enjoy the podcast, you can support it here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge

    50 min
  8. Gabrielle, a Former 5th Grade Teacher Helped Teach Acceptance of All, and Was "Out" in Her Classroom

    10/28/2025

    Gabrielle, a Former 5th Grade Teacher Helped Teach Acceptance of All, and Was "Out" in Her Classroom

    Recorded when the show was previously titled The Lesbian Class Podcast Gabrielle is a former 5th grade teacher in Illinois who spent the first two years of her career teaching at a Catholic school and transitioned to a public school for another four years. We shared about ups and downs in our teaching careers and we spoke about internalized homophobia. Gabrielle now runs her own Queer Wedding Planning company and you can reach out to her here! https://gabrielleruizevents.com Here are the links to what we discussed! LGBTQ+ Brain Pops: https://www.brainpop.com/discover/post/leading-with-pride-why-lgbtq-representation-matters-in-education Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag by Rob Sanders Read Aloud on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LU2daQ2exs TikTok: TheGayTeachersLounge Instagram: The.Gay.Teachers.Lounge If you enjoy the podcast, you can support it here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge This interview was conducted on October 2, 2025. I am working hard to get caught up with my editing of these interviews!

    1h 11m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the podcast where we amplify the voices of queer teachers. Join us as we explore personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs in the education system. We'll also have discussions about anti-gay legislation aimed at schools and its impact on educators and students alike. Each episode features in-depth interviews with gay teachers from diverse backgrounds, offering listeners a glimpse into their lives. We'll discuss topics such as discrimination and advocacy, while also examining the political landscape affecting LGBTQIA+ educators and students. Expect candid conversations about working toward more inclusive and equitable educational environments. Our goal is to create community for all of us despite the fact we are scattered across the country, and beyond. Keep up with the podcast on these socials: Instagram: @the.gay.teachers.lounge TikTok: @thegayteacherslounge Thank you for listening! If you're enjoying this podcast, you can support it here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge

Information

  • Creator
    Celeste Taylor
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Celeste Taylor 2025
  • Show Website
    The Gay Teachers Lounge