166. Queer Band Directors, Bi Erasure, and the Battle for Visibility in Rural Schools

"If other teachers can show off their families, why can’t I have a photo of my wife on my desk?"What does authentic queer visibility really look like in schools where “everyone is welcome” can spark controversy? In this candid conversation, bisexual band director Rachel Colby shares the real-life highs and lows of being out as an LGBTQ+ teacher in rural Southwestern Virginia. We dive into the quiet (and sometimes not-so-quiet) resistance queer educators face—bi erasure, double standards about sharing our lives, and the emotional labor of creating truly inclusive classrooms for every student.You’ll get:Raw, real talk about walking the “narrow road” of being openly queer in conservative school districtsEmotional strategies for holding boundaries and building strong student relationships as an LGBTQ+ teacherPractical, lived examples of how to push back with courage, community, and even a little petty, “malicious compliance” prideIf you’ve ever wondered whether you’re alone in the struggle—or how to survive and thrive as a queer educator—this episode is for you. Tap play to claim your space, find your people, and keep teaching wild and queer.Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Equalitees.Me!This podcast explores the challenges and successes of queer representation in education, tackling topics like burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the role of advocacy in building inclusive classrooms, safe spaces, and anti-bullying strategies. It centers support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, asexual, aromantic, agender, two-spirit, and non-binary teachers, and addresses how gender identity in schools can be honored to combat isolation and foster community.Teaching While Queer is a podcast for LGBTQ+ educators navigating teaching, leadership, and survival in today’s schools. The show explores queer and trans representation in education, educator burnout, book bans, workplace discrimination, tokenism, doxing, and advocacy—while sharing practical strategies for building inclusive classrooms, affirming school cultures, and safer learning environments. Episodes center gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, asexual, aromantic, agender, and Two-Spirit educators, with conversations on gender identity in schools, anti-bullying practices, mental health, and community care. This podcast supports educators who feel isolated and offers solidarity, tools, and hope for LGBTQ+ teachers working across K–12 and higher education. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.Support the showQueering 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.Support the podcast and spread the message with merch from Equalitees.Me.Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram and Facebook. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen.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