Teaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 24
Have you ever found yourself wrestling with identity in a place that doesn't quite seem ready to accept you? My conversation with the inspiring Am're Ford, an educator and musician from Oklahoma City, pulls back the curtain on the complexities of being queer in a conservative, religious environment. Am're lays bare the struggle of reconciling his identity with societal expectations, and we celebrate the moment of clarity and confidence that came during his graduate school years. It's a discussion that spotlights the courage it takes to stand firm in authenticity, despite the headwinds of prejudice.
As we turn to the classroom, this episode is a rally cry for educators who dare to humanize the learning experience. I share my approach of fostering respect and kindness, encouraging students to think critically without intimidation. Am're and I dissect the challenges of addressing anti-queer sentiments in education, and the controversy that can come from simply displaying inclusive messages. We also take a hard look at educational policies and the pressing need for a curriculum that mirrors our society's rich diversity, discussing a hypothetical bill that could pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in education.
Music can be a powerful tool for connection and change, and together with Am're, we explore the transformative potential of diversifying composers in music education. I delve into my efforts to curate resonant, contemporary music for orchestras that includes hip hop elements and pieces by living composers. We muse on the exciting adaptations within opera to maintain its relevance, emphasizing the significance of authenticity both in music and educational practices. It's an enlightening dialogue that traverses the critical intersection of education, identity, and the arts, underlining the undeniable impact of genuine connection and evolution in these fields.