Teaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 10
Ever wondered how a queer educator navigates through the intricacies of faith, education, and identity? Well, strap in for a deep dive into a unique intersection of life and learning with our guest, Jake Brown (he/him). Raised in a small, Catholic mining town in Arizona, Jake's experiences — from being bullied to coming out in a less-than-accepting environment — have shaped him into a compassionate and inclusive educator.
Jake's journey has been fraught with challenges. His high school days were a battle against prejudice, yet they gave him the resolve to foster inclusive classrooms. Jake’s teaching approach is a delicate balance of science and faith, and he uses religion to supplement his scientific teachings. He believes in the power of pop culture in creating inviting learning spaces, and shares the significance of parents' role in education, the option of class switching, and the supportive administration at his school.
Jake talks about being a member of the furry community and how the community is often unnecessarily sexualized by the media. To Jake, being a furry is about self expression and going beyond the limits of the body and image you have.