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

What do you do when your job, your identity, and your safety are all under political attack—just because you’re an LGBTQ+ educator?

If you're a queer teacher—or support one—you’ve likely felt the chilling effect of anti-LGBTQ+ policies creeping into schools. This episode breaks down exactly what’s happening across the U.S. and globally, and why educators are sounding the alarm.

In this episode, you will:

Feeling like you have to stage a protest just to make a difference as a queer educator?

Visibility isn’t about shouting the loudest — it's about being present, real, and intentional in ways that matter to your students and your school community. After my conversation with Anthony Nicodemo, it’s clear: you already have everything you need to make a real impact.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Five practical ways to use ...

Have you ever wondered if being visible as a queer educator could actually transform your students' lives?

Many LGBTQ+ educators and coaches feel isolated, invisible, or unsure how to advocate for themselves in spaces that still carry outdated stigma — especially in athletics. This episode shows how living authentically can open doors, challenge stereotypes, and create safer, stronger communities for students.

In this episode...

Feeling the pressure to be “loud and proud” in a school environment that isn’t safe? What if quiet authenticity could be just as powerful?

In a time when overt displays of support for LGBTQ+ students can feel risky—or even be banned—many queer educators are wondering how to still show up, protect their peace, and make an impact. This episode explores the subtle, strategic choices that send signals of safety, belonging, and care—...

Can subtle shifts in language and presence make more impact than bold declarations when supporting LGBTQ+ students?

In a time when visibility can feel risky and performative gestures fall flat, quiet consistency and intentional language may be the most powerful tools queer educators have. This episode explores how affirming youth doesn’t always require loud activism—sometimes, it’s the quiet moments that matter most.

In this...

Feeling like you're constantly code-switching just to survive in the classroom?

If you’re a queer educator trying to create safer spaces for students while holding onto your own identity, you’re not alone. This episode dives into what it really means to show up authentically in education—without sacrificing your sanity or safety.

In this episode, you will:

• A fresh perspective on how queerness and storytelling...

What happens when a college theater class becomes the one place where students feel safe enough to be fully themselves?

This episode dives deep into how the arts—especially theater—can offer more than creative expression. In many classrooms, it's become a sanctuary where students explore gender, identity, and self-worth. From fluid pronoun usage to discovering strength through performance, the conversation reveals the q...

Are you a queer educator feeling the pressure of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, online harassment, or rising fascist rhetoric in schools?

In this episode, we dive deep into the current wave of attacks targeting queer teachers and offers grounded, practical strategies to protect yourself, build community, and stay in the fight—without burning out. Whether you're in a hostile district or just feeling alone, this conversation meets you where yo...

What if supporting your students’ pronouns could cost you your job—or your parental rights? This episode dives into the April 2025 Executive Order that rebrands gender-affirming care as “child abuse” and attacks the educators and families who provide it.

This isn’t just another political statement—it’s a federally-endorsed narrative with real consequences for LGBTQ+ educators, parents, and students. If you're a queer teacher, pa...

Can LGBTQ+ teachers truly be themselves in the classroom? Despite progress, many still face discrimination, fear, and pushback when advocating for inclusion.

In this episode of Teaching While Queer, Bryan Stanton recaps an eye-opening conversation with Greg R. Baird, a longtime educator and activist. Greg shares his personal experiences navigating the education system as a gay teacher, the resistance he faced when launching a GS...

What does it really take to be an LGBTQ+ educator in today's world? How can teachers go from overcoming fear and bias to becoming a global advocate for allyship and inclusion.

If you’ve ever felt like you couldn’t be your authentic self in your workplace, this episode is for you. We talk about the struggles LGBTQ+ educators face, the role of allyship, and how to create a more inclusive environment for both teachers and ...

Queer educators are often told to stay silent about their identities—but what impact does that have on LGBTQ+ students? In this episode, we explore why visibility in education is more than just representation—it’s a lifeline.

Many queer teachers worry about speaking up due to fear of backlash, job security, or simply not knowing how to navigate difficult conversations. But when educators remain invisible, students lose essential...

How can educators create truly inclusive spaces for queer and trans students? And what’s the hidden bias that might be holding them back?

In this episode, we talk with educator and author Kimm Topping (they/them) about the challenges queer youth face in schools, the impact of adultism, and why affirming spaces are essential for student success. Drawing from their own experiences and professional work, Kimm shares insights on bu...

Have you ever felt unsafe online just for being who you are? If you’re a queer educator, digital harassment is a real and growing threat—but you don’t have to face it alone.

The rise of online attacks against LGBTQ+ educators is not just frustrating—it’s dangerous. From doxxing to mass reporting, these tactics can impact your mental health, career, and personal safety. In this episode, we break down exactly how to prote...

What happens when your personal story goes viral for all the wrong reasons? How do you navigate grief, identity, and public scrutiny—all at once?

In this episode, Aiden shares their deeply personal journey of dealing with loss, finding strength in identity, and facing online attacks after a viral moment. From overcoming depression to advocating for LGBTQ+ students, Aiden opens up about resilience, community, and the imp...

Are queer teachers the only ones creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students in schools? What happens when they leave—and why are so many being pushed out?

In this episode, we revisit our powerful conversation with Flint Del Sol, a former teacher turned advocate, who sheds light on the immense pressure placed on LGBTQ+ educators. From being the "designated queer teacher" to facing outright hostility, Flint shares what real...

Why do so many LGBTQ+ teachers leave the profession feeling broken and exhausted? And why are schools still relying on just one “designated safe teacher” instead of building a truly inclusive environment?

In this powerful episode, former high school teacher and author Flint Del Sol exposes the harsh realities queer educators face—from systemic burnout to hostile work environments. Sharing personal stories and real-world...

What happens when coming out as an LGBTQ+ teacher leads to job loss, discrimination, and relentless scrutiny? Chris Cannella knows this reality firsthand—and he’s fighting back.

Despite years of progress, LGBTQ+ educators still face discrimination, from losing coaching positions to having their advocacy questioned. In this episode, Chris shares his powerful journey from a closeted teacher to a bold activist, revealing t...

What happens when schools push LGBTQ+ voices into the shadows? What does it mean to fight for inclusion when even educators face discrimination?

For over 26 years, Chris Cannella (he/him) has navigated the challenges of being an openly gay teacher and union leader, fighting for LGBTQ+ rights in schools. From being pushed out of coaching to standing up against censorship of queer identities, his journey sheds light on the uphill batt...