Queer Representation and LGBTQ Advocacy in Education with Sharon Tang

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) chats with queer Los Angeles High School Art Teacher, Sharon Tang (she/her). They discuss coming out as an adult, the double standard that queer teachers are held to, the current legislative environment for queer teachers, and her time working with Mistress Isabelle Brooks on Season 15 of RuPaul's Drag Race.
Meet Sharon Tang: Queer, art educator, and overnight sensation thanks to RuPaul's Drag Race. Her story unfolds against the colorful backdrop of her Asian and Latinx heritage, her coming-of-age experiences, and the complex world of academia. As a queer teacher in a Los Angeles high school, Sharon brings an authentic perspective to the challenges of being outed, the journey of self-discovery, and the importance of feeling represented and safe in educational spaces.
Sharon's narrative is as empowering as it is enlightening, opening up conversations on the role of queer educators and highlighting the need for inclusivity and diversity in the educational sector. From being outed at 13 to navigating the tricky waters of her coming out process, Sharon's experiences underscore the ongoing struggle for acceptance. Her unique insight into the barriers faced by queer teachers and their students, and her commitment to creating a supportive environment in her classroom, truly makes for an inspiring listen.
The conversation dives straight into the heart of the matter, discussing the damaging effects of discriminatory laws like the 'Don't Say Gay' bill on the LGBTQ+ community. Sharon's personal experiences with these laws, her active protesting in Texas, and her time on RuPaul's Drag Race all come together to form a compelling narrative about the power of resistance. We end on a hopeful note as Sharon shares the impact of her overnight fame, the outpouring of support she received, and her advice on fostering a climate of inclusivity. Join us for this insightful chat with Sharon Tang, as we discuss the importance of celebrating queer identities and the need for greater representation in education.

Support the Show.

Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram at @TeachingWhileQueer.
You can find host, Bryan Stanton, on Instagram.
Support the podcast by becoming a subscriber. For information click here.
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.

章节

1. Queer Representation and LGBTQ Advocacy in Education with Sharon Tang (00:00:00)

2. Teaching Queer Stories in Academia (00:00:05)

3. Experiences and Perspectives of Queer Individuals (00:04:54)

4. Supporting Queer Youth in Education (00:12:30)

5. LGBTQ Rights and Perspective From Drag Race (00:29:25)

6. Teacher's Impact and Overnight Fame (00:43:05)