Lara Klopp

Interview with Students Alex, Sienna, & Jasmine, Part 2

In the second part of my interview with LGBTQ+ students Alex, a transgender male, Sienna, a pansexual female, and Jasmine, a bisexual female, we talk more about school culture and things educators can do to support their students, and the effects of the Covid pandemic and Florida’s new Don’t Say Gay law on the LGBTQ student population.

Interview with Students Alex, Sienna, & Jasmine, Part 1

In this interview, I speak with Alex, a transgender male high school senior, Alex’s pansexual girlfriend Sienna, and Jasmine, a bisexual college student. In Part 1, we discuss their journey to discover their sexual identities, family dynamics, and we begin to explore the current school climate.

Why I Created this Site

This post discusses my journey from art teacher to MSW student, and why I felt compelled to create this website and podcast dedicated to Creating Safe Schools for LGBTQ+ students – which creates safe schools for all students.

My Friend Charlie: A tribute and a cautionary tale

In this podcast I remember my friend Charlie. Kind, funny, bold, and yet carrying the scars of a childhood beset with disapproval, Charlie taught me what it means to be fabulous.

Interview with GSA Sponsor Kaley Georgelis

In this podcast, I interview the sponsor of Merritt Island High School’s GSA, Kaley Georgelis. We talk about the impact Florida’s new Don’t Say Gay law is having on students, the importance of a supportive administration (which MIHS definitely has), and actions that have made her school safer and more affirming.

National Transgender Day of Visibility in the News

Yesterday, March 31, 2022, was the National Transgender Day of Visibility. In this podcast, I summarize some of the anti-transgender legislation currently being enacted in our country, as well as legal battles fighting that legislation, and I share some of the comments released by the Biden-Harris Administration on the need to support transgender Americans.

Interview with Bells, a 16-year-old Queer, Asexual, and Gender-Fluid Advocate

In this podcast, I speak with Bells Ross, a 16-year old queer, asexual, and gender-fluid advocate. They talk about their journey, their school climate, and what the future holds.

What Keeps Me Up at Night: 3:30 This Morning

This morning I couldn’t sleep. I was up, at 3:30 am, thinking about the students I’ve spoken with in my podcasts, thinking about how many adults – adults who are charged with keeping students safe – are letting those students down. These were my thoughts.