I Didn't Know I Could Be Queer and a Teacher | Ep. 215 (with Richard McDonald)
For many LGBTQ+ educators, the hardest lesson wasn't how to teach. It was believing there was a place for them in the classroom at all.
Richard MacDonald shares how growing up under the legacy of Section 28 shaped his understanding of what it meant to be a teacher, why he believed his queer identity didn't belong at school, and the student who helped change that perspective. Now an assistant principal, English teacher, and PhD researcher exploring the experiences of LGBTQ+ educators, Richard reflects on what authentic leadership looks like and why creating schools where educators can be themselves ultimately benefits every student.
Together, Bryan and Richard explore how policies can leave cultural scars long after they're repealed, the importance of learning from experiences different from our own, and how building community can help LGBTQ+ educators move from isolation to belonging.
In this conversation:
- Why Richard once believed he couldn't be both queer and a teacher
- How one student's Pride flag changed his approach to leadership
- The lasting impact of Section 28 on LGBTQ+ educators
- Teaching queer history through language and literature
- Creating school cultures where educators can be authentically themselves
- Finding connection through research and international educator networks
Whether you're an LGBTQ+ educator, an ally, or a school leader, this conversation is a reminder that visibility matters and that no educator should have to choose between authenticity and their profession. Listen, follow, and share this episode with someone helping make schools more welcoming for everyone.
Queering Education is a Teaching While Queer podcast centering LGBTQ+ educators and the real-world realities of teaching while queer. We explore queer representation in education, including burnout, tokenism, doxing, visibility, boundaries, and advocacy for inclusive classrooms, safe schools, and anti-bullying practices.
This podcast supports gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, asexual, aromantic, agender, and two-spirit teachers, and addresses how gender identity in schools can be honored to reduce isolation, protect educators, and build community.
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Keywords: Teaching While Queer, queer educators, LGBTQ teachers, inclusive education, gender identity in schools, safe classrooms, anti-bullying strategies, educator burnout, LGBTQ advocacy, queer visibility in education