37. LGBTQ Authenticity in Schools: Being a Gay Educator in a Conservative Landscape

Teaching While Queer: Advocacy For LGBTQ Folks In Schools & Education To Live & Work As Your Authentic Self

Ask A Queer Educator

Teaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 18

Ever found yourself at the crossroads of identity and profession, especially within the halls of academia? Grant Moss, an associate professor of English at Utah Valley University, joins us for a candid discussion about his lived experience as a gay educator in a traditionally conservative sphere. His journey from a childhood shrouded in societal homophobia to finding his truth in grad school, and how it's shaped his approach to teaching, offers listeners a glimpse into the resilience and adaptability required when one's authenticity is at stake.
As we trade stories, Grant and I shed light on the delicate art of cultivating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students amidst the pressures of conservative and religious communities. Our exchange unearths the importance of visibility and subtle allies—whether it's a rainbow pin or a safe zone sign—that speak volumes to students grappling with their identities. Grant’s personal revelations, coupled with our shared strategies, underscore the impact educators can have on minimizing the emotional scars of queer individuals, simply by being present and supportive.
Closing on a note of introspection, we address the broader implications of queer identity within academia. From dissecting Shakespeare's sonnets through a queer lens to navigating the role of queer parenthood in an evolving society, Grant eloquently encapsulates the strides made and the strides still required for genuine inclusivity. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone invested in the enrichment of academic spaces, affirming the human right to live and learn authentically. Join us for a heartfelt exploration of what it means to be queer in the world of education and beyond.

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The podcast explores the challenges and successes of LGBTQ representation in education, addressing issues such as burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the importance of advocacy in creating inclusive classrooms, safe spaces, and anti-bullying strategies, with a focus on supporting non-binary teachers and gender identity in schools to combat the feeling of isolation and lack of community.

Kapitel

1. 37. LGBTQ Authenticity in Schools: Being a Gay Educator in a Conservative Landscape (00:00:00)

2. Experiences of LGBTQ+ Educators in Academia (00:00:06)

3. Supporting LGBTQ+ Students and Minimizing Harm (00:14:52)

4. Parental Support and Queer Visibility (00:25:33)

5. LGBTQ+ Identity in Teaching Shakespeare's Sonnets (00:39:41)

6. Inclusivity in Academia and Queer Parenting (00:47:09)