I Became the Teacher I Never Saw | Ep. 207 (with Joe Chianakas)

What does it mean to be the teacher you needed when you were young? In this episode of Queering Education, Bryan Stanton talks with educator and author Joe Chianakas about LGBTQ inclusive teaching, queer visibility, and why representation remains essential in both K–12 and higher education.Drawing on more than 25 years in education, Joe reflects on his journey from a closeted high school teacher to an openly queer professor. Together, Bryan and Joe explore queer pedagogy, community building, mentorship, and the impact that visible LGBTQ educators can have on students searching for belonging and possibility.In this episode, you'll learn: Why queer visibility still matters in classrooms today  How LGBTQ educators help students imagine a future for themselves  The unique role community colleges play in educational access and inclusion  What authentic representation looks like beyond performative diversity efforts  How educators can create safer, more inclusive classrooms  Why community remains a critical part of student success and belonging This conversation is for K–12 teachers, higher education faculty, school leaders, and anyone committed to creating more inclusive classrooms where students can see themselves reflected, valued, and supported.Follow, share, and help bring more voices into the conversation about LGBTQ education and belonging.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