Charting the Course for Queer Advocacy in Education with Kirsten Jenna Lee

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 37

Have you ever found yourself searching for a beacon of authenticity in the ever-evolving world of queer education? This week, I'm joined by the insightful Kirsten Jenna Lee (her/they), founder of Queer Connect and a digital marketing lecturer, to illuminate the paths of 2SLGBTQ+ educators. Settle in as we share our own encounters with identity, the impact of language on the queer narrative, and Kirsten's inspiring shift from food journalism to the academic sphere. Our conversation is a vibrant tapestry of personal growth and the subtle, yet powerful ways educators can validate and celebrate queer identities.
Navigating the terrain of queer spaces can be akin to traversing two worlds within the same country – especially in South Africa, where the landscape varies drastically between conservative regions and the open arms of Cape Town. Kirsten and I peel back the layers of this dichotomy, discussing the vital need for non-alcoholic queer venues and the cultivation of safe spaces for the arts. We traverse the complexities of authenticity in both public and private spheres and the creation of sanctuaries that foster connection and self-expression, sober or otherwise.
The final thread of our rich dialogue weaves through the experiences of queer educators in schools. With anecdotes and strategies, we unpack the importance of inclusivity, from pronoun visibility to the formation of support groups. Kirsten's perspective brings to light the diversity of challenges faced in conservative and liberal settings alike, and the innovative ways that educators can become beacons of change. By the end of this episode, you'll grasp the transformative power of visible allyship and the steps we can take to ensure every classroom is a place where 2SLGBTQ+ students and teachers alike can thrive unapologetically.

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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.

Chapter

1. Charting the Course for Queer Advocacy in Education with Kirsten Jenna Lee (00:00:00)

2. Exploring LGBTQ+ Identity in Education (00:00:05)

3. Navigating Queer Spaces in South Africa (00:09:07)

4. Creating Safe Queer Spaces in Education (00:20:09)

5. Supporting Queer Educators in Schools (00:29:29)

6. Navigating Queer Education and Identity (00:40:18)