What really pushes a teacher to leave the classroom?

In this episode I sat down with Keira, a nonbinary lesbian, who formerly taught elementary school in Texas for 8 years. They navigated constant school changes, grade-level shifts, and increasingly toxic work environments.

From teaching Pre-K to 5th grade, their experience reveals what instability in education actually looks like behind the scenes. We talk about everything—from being reported for wearing a hat backward to being told to stay quiet after a student gave them a concussion.

This is an honest, unfiltered conversation about burnout, lack of support, workplace culture, and the moments that finally push great teachers out of the profession. If you’ve ever wondered why so many teachers are leaving, this episode will give you some answers.

Topics We Cover:

Constant job instability in teaching

Toxic team dynamics & workplace gossip

Discrimination and bias in schools

Lack of principal support

Student behavior & safety concerns

If this episode meant something to you, the best way to support the podcast right now is by buying me a $5 coffee— https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge It genuinely helps me keep this going. ( ꈍ◡ꈍ)

Listen on your favorite podcast platform: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gay-teachers-lounge/id1816730838

Let me know in the comments: Have you experienced something similar in your workplace? I sure did.

Info about the T-TESS! https://teachfortexas.org/Teachers/EvaluationProcess

Info on Texas Project First! If your young child has a disability and you need help navigating the school system in Texas: https://texasprojectfirst.org/3-5/

Keira's book rec! Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo https://www.malindalo.com/lastnight

If this episode meant something to you, the best way to support the podcast right now is by buying me a $5 coffee— https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge It genuinely helps me keep this going.

In today’s episode, we have an honest and unfiltered conversation about what it really means to be a teacher right now. From the moments that make the job deeply meaningful to the ones that leave a lasting impact, nothing is held back.

We talk about navigating identity in the classroom, including Robbie’s experience of being reported by parents for being gay, and what it feels like to show up authentically in a system that doesn’t always feel safe. He also shares a shocking incident involving a parent confrontation that escalated further than anyone would expect—and what that reveals about the current state of education.

At the same time, this episode holds space for the moments that remind teachers why they stay: the connections with students, the growth, and the small wins that mean everything.

This conversation is for educators, future teachers, and anyone who wants a real look at the challenges—and purpose—behind the profession today.

Robbie also shares that he reads My Shadow Is Purple by Scott Stuart at the end of every school year as part of a unit centered on self-acceptance and authenticity. It’s a powerful read—but it’s important to know your school and district context before bringing it into your classroom. Katie Rinderle was dismissed from her 5th grade teaching position in Cobb County, Georgia, after reading the book aloud to her GATE students.

Today, I am sitting down with a high school English teacher who is navigating what it means to be openly queer in the classroom today.

He shares what it felt like when students told him he was the first gay person they had ever met, and the unexpected responsibility that comes with being visible for young people who may have never seen queer adults in their lives.

But visibility also comes with challenges. We talk about identity-based harassment from a student, how schools attempt restorative justice when harm happens, and the complicated balance between compassion for teenagers and protecting yourself as an educator.

We also dive into:

• Why English teachers may face more pushback than teachers of other subjects

• How accusations of “flaunting” identity show up in schools

• Why GSAs are important

• Why representation still matters more than many people realize

If you care about education, LGBTQ visibility, or what’s really happening inside classrooms today, this episode is for you.

If you're enjoying the podcast, we'd love and appreciate your support! https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge

We love supporting queer creators! Listen to Izzy Arden's latest single, Loaded Gun wherever you stream your music! https://izzyarden.com/

And here's the book Sky mentioned in today's episode: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12000020-aristotle-and-dante-discover-the-secrets-of-the-universe

Tina, a special education elementary school teacher in the south is my guest today! At 21 years old, fresh out of college, she was asked a simple question by a seventh grader:

“Do you listen to Girl in Red?”

In that split second, she had to decide whether she was going to out herself to an entire classroom. She said yes — and from that moment on, she became “the gay teacher.”

In this episode, we talk about what it’s really like to be a queer educator in a conservative Southern district — from safe space stickers being banned to a megachurch's influence on a school board, scripted curriculum surveillance, and year-to-year contracts with no permanent status.

We also discuss: • Teaching special education in a moderate-to-severe classroom • Being moved into roles you aren't licensed or credentialed for • “Nook and crook” curriculum walkthroughs • Teachers quitting mid-year • Why burnout is hitting harder than ever

This is a raw, honest conversation about identity, integrity, and what it costs to continue working in public education in the United States right now.

If you’ve ever wondered why teachers are leaving — or what it takes to remain — this episode is for you.

Sorry for the abrupt ending! Tina and I began talking about something else, and we never said goodbye to you all! ^~^

If you are enjoying the podcast and would like to help support it, you can do so here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge

In this episode, I’m joined by Alex, a lesbian band teacher in Texas, for an honest conversation about teaching while queer in a political climate that often feels hostile to both educators and LGBTQ+ people.

Alex talks about what it means to love and care for students who may not accept her if they knew she’s married to a woman, how she navigates visibility and safety in her school, and the quiet, creative ways teachers protect kids while staying within the rules.

From the emotional weight of being “out” in a red state to moments of clever resistance inside the classroom, this conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and deeply human.

This episode isn’t about outrage — it’s about care, integrity, and showing up for students even when the system makes it hard.

🎧 Topics we cover:

– Being an out lesbian teacher in Texas

– Loving students amid fear and uncertainty

– Teaching in the South as a queer educator

– Quiet resistance and “malicious compliance” in schools

– Why care is not political — but still feels radical

– Our own memories from middle school!

Here is a link to Human Rights Initiative of North Texas https://hrionline.org/

If you’re an educator, a queer person navigating unsafe spaces, or someone who believes public schools should be places of care and dignity, this conversation is for you.

If you'd like to support the Gay Teachers Lounge, you can here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge

Noah, a third-year PE teacher at a large elementary school with nearly 1,000 students, discusses his experiences teaching. We talk about intense workloads and the all-too-common exhaustion of the profession. We talk about Gen Alpha, class sizes, students' SEL, and so much more. Grab a chair and get comfy in the Gay Teachers Lounge with us.

Books that were mentioned:

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Thank You for Calling the Lesbian Line by Elizabeth Lovatt

Iris Kelly Doesn't Date by Ashley Herring Blake

If you'd like to support the Gay Teachers Lounge, you can here:

https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge

• Recorded when the show was previously titled The Lesbian Class Podcast

Content note: This episode includes a story about transphobic language used by a colleague while discussing a transgender character on television. The language is censored. Triggering content timestamps: 14:52–16:36

Bex, a non-binary, transmasc kindergarten teacher, shares their journey of realizing the importance of being out as a non-binary educator, particularly after a meaningful interaction with a child in a rural area who later thanked them for their visibility.

They discuss the impact of queerness in education, including a humorous yet educational moment in class where their students incorrectly used the term "gay," but that moment provided an opportunity to teach about inclusivity.

Bex also highlights the importance of safe and supportive environments for such conversations.

We discuss the challenges of them often being misgendered by colleagues, particularly focusing on the role that peer pressure and social signaling play in social settings.

Here are some links to what we discussed!

Alison Bechdel’s "Fun Home": The Coming-Out Memoir That Became a Hit Broadway Musical: an Interview with Alison Bechdel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gputc-vy_zg

And Tango Makes Three read aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJkYykP3qqA&t=17s

Julián is a Mermaid Read Aloud: https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/ll117-julian-mermaid-video/lets-learn/

What are Your Words read aloud: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGqi1Q2x8PY&t=219s

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• Recorded when the show was previously titled The Lesbian Class Podcast.

Gabi is a kindergarten teacher with 7 years of experience in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community.

Gabi and I discussed her identity as a proud, out, queer educator and her commitment to creating an inclusive learning space for her students and their families. Our conversation explored how Gabi navigates cultural conflicts and misconceptions while being visibly queer in her field. We discussed the importance of representation of diverse people in children's literature and how Gabi's identity shapes the emotional world of her classroom. Gabi shared the struggles she still experiences as a queer educator, still wondering if she will be respected by parents, especially those from different cultural and religious backgrounds, in certain situations. Gabi's efforts to help young students understand that diverse people exist deserves a round of applause!

Gabi runs a TpT, too! Here is the link to her resources she has made for teachers of the Deaf and hard of hearing. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/kiss-fist-prints

If you're interested in learning American Sign Language, check out Gabi's recommended sites/apps:

https://www.lifeprint.com/

https://www.aslbloom.com/

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Instagram: The.Gay.Teachers.Lounge

If you enjoy the podcast, you can support it here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge

• Recorded when the show was previously titled The Lesbian Class Podcast

Today's guest is Josie, a 7th-grade teacher and transgender woman. We discuss her path into education and her journey of self-discovery. After six years in the museum field and some encouragement from her wife during the pandemic, Josie became a middle school teacher — and she’s now five years in, thriving in a supportive, accepting school environment. Her story shows how living authentically can lead to deeper relationships, greater joy, and a more fulfilling life.

Links to Josie's gay goings-on:

Witches of Moondale by Lou Wilham https://www.louinprogress.com/

Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree https://torpublishinggroup.com/legends-lattes/?swpmtx=27319fbaaf59113fed54bd848a9dfc52&isbn=9781250342782&format=hardback#038;swpmtxnonce=64b2cd060c

The Locked Tomb Series by Tamryn Muir https://thelockedtomb.fandom.com/wiki/Gideon_the_Ninth_(Novel) Dogma Band https://officialdogma.com/#top

I hope you enjoy this episode and if there is anything you're interested in hearing in a future episode, please let me know!

You can send me a DM on the following socials:

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If you enjoy the podcast, you can support it here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge

• Recorded when the show was previously titled The Lesbian Class Podcast

Rachel, a veteran high school art teacher, discusses her teaching experience in a Title I school and her journey of embodying a more masculine presentation through her hair cut and personal style.

She shared insights about her classroom environment, dress code experiences, and wearing clothing that aligns with her unique style as a masc-presenting lesbian. Rachel also discusses her experiences as an openly gay teacher and shares the importance of fully owning all parts of ourselves to be confident in our classrooms!

We talked a lot about her fashion and appearance in this episode, so if there is something else you'd like to hear about in a future episode with Rachel, please leave a comment below!

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Instagram: The.Gay.Teachers.Lounge

If you enjoy the podcast, you can support it here: https://buymeacoffee.com/thegayteacherslounge