Teaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 19
Ever wondered how the simple choice of pronouns can shape a student's educational journey? Join me as we unravel the tapestry of queerness and education with the help of James Young, an educator who personifies the intersection of cultural and queer identity. We wade into the depths of how pronouns, a core aspect of one's identity, are being woven into classroom culture to foster inclusivity and prevent violence. Our discussion takes a personal turn as James shares the poignant narrative of their own struggles and triumphs within the academic world, offering invaluable insights into the richly diverse fabric of student experiences.
Embark on a voyage of discovery as we tackle the digital age's impact on understanding gender and sexuality, and the resultant challenges for educators. The episode doesn't shy away from the nuances of consent and societal norms, diving into the restrictive binaries that often confine queer culture and the emergence of terms that liberate us from these confines. With James, we dissect the essence of cultural representation in curricula, from the underrepresented stories like that of Bayard Rustin to the powerful effects of student choice, and how educators can adapt to create a dynamic, responsive learning environment.
Closing our enlightening session, we celebrate the incremental changes educators make every day to combat systemic biases, from creating pride spaces to integrating queer-coded content that reflects the diversity of student identities. Listen as James, also known as I.Den.T.T. in their role as an "edutainer," shares the mission of spreading queer joy through music, marrying the worlds of education and entertainment. Together, we explore the ongoing journey of shaping academia into a space that not only acknowledges but embraces LGBTQIA+ individuals and their contributions.
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