Safe Isn't Enough: Why LGBTQ+ Educators Matter More Than Ever | Ep. 195 (with Dr. Michael Sadowski)

In this powerful conversation, host Bryan Stanton (they/them) speaks with Michael Sadowski about what it means to be an out educator—from coming out in job interviews in the 1990s to researching queer youth, GSAs, and the limits of “safe schools.”Michael shares his journey from theater to teaching, launching a GSA in Massachusetts, earning his doctorate, and writing extensively about LGBTQ+ youth, identity development, and education. Together, they explore what’s changed for queer students and educators, what hasn’t, and why “safe” simply isn’t enough anymore.In this episode, you’ll learn:What it looked like to be out in a teaching interview in the 1990sWhy the “Safe Schools” model sets the bar too lowHow queer educators can approach authenticity strategicallyWhat’s shifting among students—even amid hostile policy climatesWhy simply showing up in the building can be a powerful actIf this episode resonates, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another educator who needs the reminder: your presence matters.Connect with Dr. Sadowski at his website https://michaelsadowski.net/.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