Creating Safe and Welcoming Schools – Page 2 – Guide to Creating Safe and Welcoming Schools

Interview with GSA Sponsor Chantelle Hansen, Part 2

In this podcast, I continue talking with GSA sponsor Chantelle Hansen about being an ally to LGBTQ+ students, about transgender advocacy, and about how we need to always be aware that not everyone has the privilege that we are afforded as straight, cis-gender white women.

Interview with GSA Sponsor Chantelle Hansen, Part 1

In this podcast I interview a GSA sponsor in Nevada, who talks about the issues faced by her LGBTQ+ students at school and at home, and discusses the importance of a supportive environment and supportive influences. Chantelle also discusses the fallout one student faced when he was elected homecoming queen and brought out a Pride flag at the event.

Brevard Say Gay Rally & March

In this podcast, I cover a rally – a Pride rally, and there is *no* rally as much fun as a pride rally. I start by doing a few interviews with rally attendees as we wait for the rally to begin. Then I cover the various rally speakers – we have local LGBTQ+ activists, a LGBTQ+ student activist – Sebastian Cook, representatives from Equality Florida, PFLAG Melbourne, Space Coast Pride, Spektrum Health, and Families for Safe Schools.

Parents’ Rights and the Don’t Say Gay Law in Florida

In this podcast I explore what rights students and parents have in school, and why the Don’t Say Gay law is not actually about parents’ rights to protect their children, but rather is their attempt to erase discussion of LGBTQ families, history, and risk factors (such as bullying).

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.

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.