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

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

Author: Bryan Stanton July 22, 2025 Duration: 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 rural Southwestern Virginia. We dive into the quiet (and sometimes not-so-quiet) resistance queer educators face—bi erasure, double standards abo...

Bryan Stanton (they/them) brings their experience as an award-winning educator and theatre pedagogy scholar to every conversation in Teaching While Queer: Advocacy, Community, and Resources for LGBTQ+ Educators. This isn't a theoretical discussion; it's a grounded, necessary space born from the Teaching While Queer movement, addressing the real and often unspoken challenges of existing at the crossroads of identity and the classroom. Episodes move beyond performative allyship, tackling the isolation educators can feel, the impact of restrictive policies, and the burnout that comes when institutional support is merely lip service. You'll hear from Bryan and their guests about practical strategies for survival and advocacy, fostering genuine community, and accessing resources that empower. The dialogue is unfiltered, focusing on how to maintain authenticity and resilience within educational systems. For LGBTQ+ teachers, librarians, administrators, and anyone supporting them, this podcast offers a vital blend of personal narrative, scholarly insight, and actionable solidarity, building a network of support one conversation at a time. Tune in for honest stories and tools that help navigate the complex journey of teaching as your full self.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Queering Education: LGBTQ+ Inclusive Teaching, Queer Pedagogy, and Real Classroom Practice
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