Alex Conway: Breaking Down Barriers for LGBTQ Folx in Schools

Teaching While Queer: Advocacy For LGBTQ Folks In Schools & Education To Live & Work As Your Authentic Self

Ask A Queer Educator

Host, Bryan Stanton (he/they) sits down with Clinical Psychologist, Alex Conway (he/him). The two talk techniques for creating safe and inclusive spaces, homophobia and ableism, and working with children with disabilities.
You can learn more about Alex's new business LGBT Joy at www.lgbtjoy.com
Want to uncover the layers of LGBTQIA+ acceptance and inclusivity in the education sector? Get ready to dissect these complex issues with Alex Conway, a counselor and the founder of LGBTQ Joy. Alex, with his wealth of knowledge and personal experiences, helps us enhance our understanding of the struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ students and teachers. We delve into the nuances of identity, the potent impact of validation, and the similarities in experiences between minority groups and people with disabilities. Alex brings to light the societal pressures, invisible stigmas, and the path to joy for those who've been stigmatized for their love or orientation.
Creating compassionate, inclusive classrooms hold the power to transform lives. Our discussion shifts to empowering students grappling with their identities, and how essential conversations with parents and students could bring about a sea change in their lives. We explore the vital role of parental acceptance, offering insights on addressing parental fears and reshaping these conversations from a universal perspective of parental goals. Inclusivity cannot be fostered without support; hence we also delve into the importance of support for LGBTQ+ students facing issues at home.
The final part of our conversation points to the challenges of dealing with unsupportive parents and how psychoeducation can help bridge this dialogue gap. We stress the need to promote self-compassion, acceptance, and the celebration of differences in classrooms. The episode concludes with a note on the importance of building confidence in students and creating a nurturing environment that encourages acceptance, inclusivity, and the celebration of diversity. Join us on this enlightening journey as we discuss, debate, and navigate the world of LGBTQIA+ inclusion in education.

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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.

Rozdziały

1. Alex Conway: Breaking Down Barriers for LGBTQ Folx in Schools (00:00:00)

2. Empowering LGBTQIA+ Teachers and Students (00:00:05)

3. Supporting LGBTQ+ Parents and Students (00:13:05)

4. LGBTQ Inclusivity and Parental Acceptance (00:24:41)

5. Supporting LGBTQ+ Students With Challenging Parents (00:35:46)

6. Supporting LGBTQ Students and Promoting Inclusivity (00:43:48)

7. Building Confidence, Celebrating Differences in Classroom (00:50:14)