Have you ever considered the struggle of self-discovery and identity formation in a deeply conservative society? Imagine then, the transformative journey of Chris, a non-binary transmasc high school English teacher from rural Montana. Their story is an inspiration, an exploration of self-identity formed within a red-state environment, and further developed amidst the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chris' unyielding authenticity and courage are underpinned by the unwavering support of their husband and teaching colleagues.
Our conversation with Chris is not just about personal journeys, it brings to light the importance of visibility and representation in education. Fueled by their personal experience, Chris shares how they use their identity to challenge prejudice, internalized homophobia, and transphobia in the classroom. Hear about their endeavors to create an affirming, respectful, and safe learning environment for queer students in rural schools, and how they use preferred names and pronouns to do so.
We also touch on pressing issues such as the safety of binding and the exploitation of the queer community by certain companies. Listen to Chris' perspective on combating anti-queer behavior and their thoughts on the push to remove the Trevor Project crisis hotline from classrooms. With insights for both queer educators and allies, this episode provides crucial information on creating an inclusive space in the education sector. Join us as we break down barriers and work towards inclusivity and acceptance.
Binding resources mentioned in the episode:
Tomboyx: https://tomboyx.com/
gc2b: https://www.gc2b.co/