The Art of LGBTQ Inclusion in Schools and the Journey of a Queer Theatre Educator

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 32
When the curtains rise on the stage of life, we are often met with a cast of characters who shape our journey. Brandon Box Higdon stands out as a beacon of strength and inspiration, joining us to unravel his narrative as a queer theater educator. Through heartfelt conversations, we delve into Brandon's personal milestones of self-discovery, the dichotomy of family acceptance, and the true essence of open dialogue. His experiences illuminate the profound effects that empathy and understanding can have on the roads we travel, both inside and outside the classroom.
As the spotlight shines on the sanctuary that theater provides, I share my own tales of crafting a haven for students to express their identities. The resonance of a transgender student's theatrical transformation underscores the critical need for inclusivity in our educational spaces. My reflections on the interplay between historical theater traditions and contemporary gender debates fuse with gratitude for the support I've found as a queer educator in Arkansas. This serves as a poignant reminder of the power that lies within the arts to foster acceptance and challenge the status quo.
Charting the course of LGBTQ+ inclusion in education isn't without its hurdles, especially within the conservative landscapes of places like San Antonio, Texas. I recount the pushback against a school production I directed and the ensuing struggle against censorship, spotlighting the complexities of advocating for diversity amidst shifting political tides. This episode is an anthem to the ongoing fight for representation and the courage it takes to stand firm in our identities. Listen in as we navigate these experiences, offering wisdom for educators embarking on similar paths, and affirm the belief that our voices and stories are instrumental in shaping a world that embraces every hue of humanity.

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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. The Art of LGBTQ Inclusion in Schools and the Journey of a Queer Theatre Educator (00:00:00)

2. Teaching While Queer (00:00:05)

3. Theater as a Safe Space (00:10:33)

4. Navigating School Policies and LGBTQ+ Rights (00:16:12)

5. Navigating LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Education (00:30:09)

6. Challenges in Conservative School Environment (00:45:07)