Best Bryan Stanton Podcasts (2025)

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176. The Extra Burden of Being a Queer Teacher Nobody Talks About 35:44

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2d ago35:44

35:44

Queer teachers face double scrutiny—and yet our visibility can be the lifeline students need. In this conversation, Spanish teacher Timothy Chavez (@CommunicativeTeacher418) shares what it means to bring queerness into the classroom—not as a lesson plan, but as a lived truth. With over a decade in education, Timothy opens up about navigating scruti…

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175. Six Ways Queer Teachers Can Protect Their Energy and Stay in the Classroom 16:58

3d ago16:58

16:58

Self-care isn’t bubble baths — for queer teachers, it’s survival in a world trying to push us out of classrooms. In this solo episode of Teaching While Queer, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) lays out what authentic, practical self-care looks like for LGBTQ+ educators navigating burnout, political attacks, and the daily emotional labor of being visib…

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174. Joy Is Resistance How Queer Teachers Are Building a Movement 26:53

13d ago26:53

26:53

Celebration is advocacy—and when queer educators gather, we refuse to be erased. In this solo episode, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) shares everything you need to know about the upcoming Teaching While Queer Queer Educators Conference 2025, happening October 11th, National Coming Out Day. This isn’t just another professional development event—it’s…

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173. Teaching the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as Queer Resistance 12:10

27d ago12:10

12:10

Queer educators are not just teaching the Universal Declaration of Human Rights—they’re living it, every time they step into the classroom. This episode is for every teacher who’s ever asked, “How do I teach justice when my own visibility feels at risk?” We dive into the power of teaching the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) through a q…

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172. What Schools Miss About LGBTQ+ History and Why It Matters 46:49

1M ago46:49

46:49

“If we don’t tell queer history, students grow up with fake education—and fake history is the foundation of oppression.” In this episode, Robert Keston, President & CEO of the Stonewall National Museum Archives & Library in Fort Lauderdale, shares how queer educators can resist erasure and fight for visibility in schools. From his activism during t…

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171. How Humor Creates Safe Spaces for Queer Educators & Students in Unexpected Places 36:43

2M ago36:43

36:43

Sometimes the most impactful lessons happen far from a traditional classroom. In this conversation, comedian, writer, and educator Tim Murray shares what it’s like teaching improv and stand-up comedy inside rehab facilities — from working with queer teens navigating anxiety and identity to setting boundaries with adults. We talk about what authenti…

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170. Start the Year Queer: Real Back-to-School Strategies for LGBTQ+ Teachers 13:06

2M ago13:06

13:06

“You don’t have to be perfect to be inclusive—just keep trying, keep listening, and keep loving your students fiercely.” Back-to-school season is here, and for queer teachers, the first weeks can feel like both an opportunity and a battleground. In this episode of Teaching While Queer, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) shares proven strategies to crea…

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169. When the World Says "No" Queer Teachers Should Queer Everything! 19:12

2M ago19:12

19:12

Queerness isn’t just what we are—it’s how we teach, breathe, and survive, even when the world tries to shut us down. In this solo recap, Bryan Stanton (they/them) unpacks Maya Gonzalez’s transformative approach to education, creativity, and queer resilience—rooted in four decades of lived experience as a queer femme artist, educator, and creator of…

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168. Beyond Safe Spaces Reclaiming Queer Identity and Power in Education 51:05

2M ago51:05

51:05

“I’m a queer educator who teaches queerly about queer stuff—everything is queer-focused for me.” How do you bring your whole queer self into teaching when schools still expect you to hide? In this episode, Maya Gonzalez—pioneering queer children’s book author and creator of the Gender Wheel—reveals what it means to be deeply, unapologetically queer…

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167. If Other Teachers Get to Do It, So Can I: One Queer Band Director’s Fight for Equal Treatment 16:23

2M ago16:23

16:23

“If other teachers get to do it, why can’t I?” Band director Rachel Colby lives this question every day as a proudly out bisexual teacher in rural Virginia. In this episode, we dive deep into the joys and risks of LGBTQ+ visibility in schools, the daily dance between honesty and self-protection, and why setting boundaries with students is an act of…

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166. Queer Band Directors, Bi Erasure, and the Battle for Visibility in Rural Schools 30:56

2M ago30:56

30:56

"If other teachers can show off their families, why can’t I have a photo of my wife on my desk?" What does authentic queer visibility really look like in schools where “everyone is welcome” can spark controversy? In this candid conversation, bisexual band director Rachel Colby shares the real-life highs and lows of being out as an LGBTQ+ teacher in…

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165. Affirming LGBTQ+ Students Means More than Just Surviving Right Now 18:26

2M ago18:26

18:26

“If we’re surpassing the safety of children to satisfy community attitudes, then we’re failing—period.” This episode of Teaching While Queer dives deep into the lived realities of queer teachers and LGBTQ+ allies fighting for truly inclusive schools in 2025. Drawing on Bryan’s conversation with Josh Qua, a queer educator and special education coord…

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164. Empathy Is Not Optional for Pride and Queer Visibility in Our Schools 47:12

2M ago47:12

47:12

If you’re more uncomfortable with two dads at Pride than with hate signs outside a school, you’re missing the real danger for queer kids. In this raw, urgent episode, two LGBTQ+ educators pull back the curtain on the real cost of “otherness” in America’s classrooms. We go deep on how queer teachers navigate the Bible Belt, what happens when mention…

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163. What Happens When Queer Educators Bring Radical Empathy Into Graduate Classrooms 14:15

3M ago14:15

14:15

“Our presence in the classroom is revolutionary, even if all you do is show up with your nails painted.” In this powerful episode, we dive deep with Lisa Salvador (she/they) and Dr. Fran McLean (she/they), two out queer educators whose work in graduate mental health programs is shaking up what it means to be visible, caring, and unapologetically th…

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162. Why Queer Educators Make the Best Allies in the Classroom 49:56

3M ago49:56

49:56

“I didn’t always get the lesbian nod—but I’ve always been a queer teacher.” In this heartfelt Pride Month conversation, Brian sits down with Fran McClain and Lisa Salvadore—partners in life and the classroom—to explore how their queerness shapes their work in higher education, mental health, and sex education. This episode is for every LGBTQ+ teach…

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161. Fear Is Not Policy Queer Teachers Must Stop Pre-Complying 12:37

3M ago12:37

12:37

Pre-compliance is the quiet killer of queer visibility in schools—don’t hand them your silence. In this charged episode, we unpack three major 2025 court rulings—from the U.S. to the U.K.—and what they do and don’t mean for LGBTQ+ teachers. If you’re feeling pressure to erase queer content, change your classroom, or withdraw support for trans stude…

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160. Queer, Married, and Still Teaching Even as the World Burns 44:02

3M ago44:02

44:02

“We eloped because we were scared—scared of what would happen when the new administration took over.” In this powerful follow-up, queer Latina art teacher Sharon Tang returns to share the deeply personal and undeniably political story behind her marriage, her homeownership journey, and the emotional toll of teaching during a time of cultural crisis…

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159. Teaching While Queer Is a Lifeline, Not a Liability 19:30

3M ago19:30

19:30

Your authenticity is not small—it’s a radical act of defiance. In this heartfelt solo episode, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) reflects on five transformative lessons from their conversation with queer icon Jeffrey Marsh. Together, they explore what it means to teach with joy, show the seams of your process, and create classrooms that radically affi…

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158. The Cruel Things They Say Mean Nothing to Healed LGBTQ+ Teachers 1:01:40

3M ago1:01:40

1:01:40

“You’re not doing a little podcast—what you do is not little.” In this heartfelt Pride Month episode, host Bryan Stanton and viral educator Jeffrey Marsh dive into what it means to teach, live, and lead while queer—especially in a world that seems to both need us and fear us. This episode is a love letter to LGBTQ+ teachers navigating doxing, isola…

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157. Quiet Resistance, Loud Impact: Queer Teacher Visibility in Hostile Schools 11:06

3M ago11:06

11:06

You don’t have to wave a flag to be radical—but you do have to survive. In this special solo episode, host Bryan Stanton shares five transformative takeaways from his conversation with Jed Dearybury—LGBTQ+ educator, illustrator, and champion of joy in South Carolina schools. This is for every queer teacher navigating visibility, safety, and joy und…

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156. When Politicians Come After Queer Educators: Navigating Safety, Censorship, and Survival 43:47

3M ago43:47

43:47

Jed Dearybury faced death threats and political attacks—just for being a gay educator who spoke the truth. In this searing episode, Jed shares how being visible as a queer teacher in South Carolina put a target on his back—from right-wing Twitter mobs to local politicians who openly threatened his job and safety. Despite the harassment, Jed continu…

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155. Queer Educators Are Done Waiting for Permission to Be Seen 8:29

4M ago8:29

8:29

Pride Month ends—but your queerness doesn’t. For queer educators, June often brings rainbow logos and empty gestures—while silence reigns inside the school walls. In this episode of Teaching While Queer, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) digs deep into what it means to reclaim Pride as a daily practice of resistance, authenticity, and survival. You’ll…

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154. She Was Investigated for a Rainbow Sticker: A Queer Teacher’s Fight for Joy 43:31

4M ago43:31

43:31

She was investigated three times—for creating a safe space where kids could be seen. In this searing conversation, queer elementary teacher and mom Adriana Tune shares what it’s really like to show up as your full self in a conservative district. We unpack what true allyship means, how institutional fear erases queer families, and why queer visibil…

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153. How Queer Educators Can Reclaim Pride as a Daily Practice Even When Schools Stay Silent 10:23

4M ago10:23

10:23

Pride Month can feel hollow when your school ignores your existence. For queer educators, visibility isn’t just a celebration—it’s survival. In this episode, Bryan Stanton (they/them) unpacks how to reclaim Pride as a purposeful, daily practice when your institution stays silent. With both tenderness and tenacity, Bryan speaks directly to queer tea…

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152. "I Wasn't Even Out to My Union": The Hidden Lives of Queer Teachers 20:11

4M ago20:11

20:11

“I wasn’t even out to my union.” That single admission reveals the quiet, daily compromises many queer educators make. This episode pulls back the curtain on the hidden emotional labor and risks faced by LGBTQ+ teachers in today’s climate. In this episode, you will: Discover how coming out can transform an educator’s relationship with their student…

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151. 5 Simple Shifts to Transform your Classroom into a Queer-Affirming Space 9:06

4M ago9:06

9:06

What if just five small shifts could radically change how your students feel seen, safe, and celebrated in your classroom? In this episode of Teaching While Queer, Bryan Stanton breaks down five transformative practices inspired by his powerful interview with theater educator Tim Cusick. These aren't abstract theories—they're real, actionable chang…

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150. Why Theater Departments Still Struggle With Queer Representation Despite Their Inclusive Reputation 1:04:04

4M ago1:04:04

1:04:04

What happens when queer identity, vulnerability, and education collide in a college theater classroom? This episode dives into the powerful intersection of pedagogy, queerness, and the transformative potential of performance. Join adjunct theater lecturer Tim Cusick as he shares how his experiences in queer youth theater and his own identity shape …

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149. The Hidden Power of Queer Joy in Education 15:36

4M ago15:36

15:36

What if the most radical thing you could bring into your classroom isn’t resistance—but joy? In this celebration-filled episode of Teaching While Queer, Bryan Stanton flips the script on traditional trauma narratives in education and makes the case for joy as a transformative force in queer pedagogy. Too often, we focus solely on surviving oppressi…

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148. Stop Praising Resilience: How It’s Killing Queer Educators 11:08

4M ago11:08

11:08

What if praising queer educators for being “resilient” is actually just another way to keep them exhausted and unsupported? In this episode of Teaching While Queer, host Bryan Stanton pulls back the curtain on the myth of resilience — especially for queer educators who are trans, nonbinary, BIPOC, or multiply marginalized. Through personal stories,…

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147: 3 Ways Queer Educators Can Build Safe Classrooms With Their Story & Identity 8:23

5M ago8:23

8:23

Are you a queer educator struggling to balance authenticity with classroom safety—and wondering if sharing your story can actually build trust? In this episode, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) explores how embracing your queer identity and personal narrative can create safer, more inclusive learning environments—without putting yourself at risk. Dra…

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146. How a Paranormal Medium Built a Queer-Inclusive Learning Community Through Spirit & Story 37:18

5M ago37:18

37:18

What if building an inclusive classroom started with sharing your personal truth—and the voices from beyond? In this episode, Rob Gutro, a queer paranormal medium and adult educator, reveals how he weaves spirit communication, lived experience, and openness into his classroom to create a radically inclusive and trusting space for learners of all ba…

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145. Why “Self-Care” Is Failing Queer Educators—and What Real Support Looks Like 9:20

5M ago9:20

9:20

What if the people building safe spaces in schools are the ones who feel the least safe? In this deeply personal episode, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) explores the emotional and professional toll of being a queer educator in a system not designed to protect—or even acknowledge—you. If you’ve ever felt like teaching as your full self comes at a co…

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144. How Education Is Being Weaponized Against LGBTQ+ Teachers—And Why Silence Won’t Save Us 11:24

5M ago11:24

11:24

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 edu…

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143. 5 Ways Queer Educators Can Use Visibility to Transform Athletics and Schools 10:09

5M ago10:09

10:09

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 …

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142. Why Visibility in Athletics Matters So Much for Queer Educators and Students 33:22

5M ago33:22

33:22

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 st…

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141. 5 Quiet Ways Queer Educators Are Creating Safer Classrooms Without Saying a Word 11:04

5M ago11:04

11:04

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 explor…

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140. You Don’t Need a Loud Pride Parade To Make a Difference—Queer Educators Can Work Quietly 31:03

5M ago31:03

31:03

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 req…

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139. 5 Ways Queer Educators Can Build Inclusive Classrooms Without Burning Out 9:14

5M ago9:14

9:14

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, y…

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138. Why Telling LGBTQ+ Students To “Just Lie” Is Harming Their Future 52:41

5M ago52:41

52:41

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…

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137. How To Organize For Safety & Resistance As A Queer Educator In 2025 19:32

6M ago19:32

19:32

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…

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136. Calling This “Child Abuse Prevention” Is a Lie—It’s About Silencing Queer Families 16:09

6M ago16:09

16:09

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 conse…

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135. 3 Strategies Queer Teachers Can Use To Advocate For Inclusion Without Risking Their Jobs 9:26

6M ago9:26

9:26

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 …

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134. The Truth About DEI in Schools: Why It’s Under Attack & How to Fight Back 33:06

6M ago33:06

33:06

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 allysh…

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133. Queer Educators Are Told to Stay Silent—Here’s Why Visibility Matters More Than Ever 10:45

6M ago10:45

10:45

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 dif…

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132. The Dangerous Impact of Misinformation on Queer Youth—And How We Can Fight Back 27:03

6M ago27:03

27:03

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. Dra…

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131. Why Online Harassment Won’t Silence LGBTQ+ Educators (And What to Do About It) 10:50

6M ago10:50

10:50

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,…

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130. What Happens When Your Personal Queer Story Goes Viral—The Good, the Bad & the Ugly 26:47

6M ago26:47

26:47

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…

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129. Signs You’re Overburdening LGBTQ+ Teachers & How to Fix It for Real Change 9:40

7M ago9:40

9:40

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 "desig…

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128. 3 Ways Schools Are Failing Queer Teachers (And What Needs to Change) 47:16

7M ago47:16

47:16

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 burn…

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127. 3 Hard Truths About Being an Openly Queer Teacher & How to Overcome Them 9:37

7M ago9:37

9:37

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…