Brianna Brookes with Kylee Pastore Asirvatham
Bryan Stanton, technical manager of Aaron Davis Hall and a faculty member in CCNY鈥檚 theatre and speech department, is a dedicated advocate for educators and students worldwide. 鈥嬧婬aving experienced exclusion both personally and professionally, they believe a safe space is not defined by its appearance but by the sense of belonging it cultivates. Drawing from their graduate studies in pedagogy, Stanton has made it their long-term mission to foster safe and affirming environments in both public and private educational settings. As the founder of the nonprofit organization Teaching While Queer, they work to create inclusive spaces for teachers and students through a global lens.
During their own experiences of exclusion, Stanton sought an outlet where they could connect with others who shared similar experiences and aspirations for change. Based on the desire for such a space, in June 2022 they launched the podcast Teaching While Queer (available on and ). Through this platform, Stanton sheds light on what a safe space could be for 2SLGBTQIA+ students and teachers worldwide. In February 2024, they founded the nonprofit organization by the same title. Teaching While Queer, which serves as a resource for teachers and administrators willing to take extra steps to create inclusive and affirming environments.
On their podcast, one of the topics Stanton explores is defining queerness. They describe queer as 鈥渁n umbrella term that encompasses anybody who is other than the presumptive norm鈥 our society is built on the assumption that people are born heterosexual and cisgender.鈥 Stanton encourages a broader understanding of identity, emphasizing that people are more than just labels. They explain, 鈥淚 am a parent. I'm an educator. I'm a queer person. I'm an activist. I'm an actor. I'm a singer. I'm a technical director. I'm a set designer. I am all of these things that make up who I am, and all of those things are important to who I am. You won鈥檛 have a completed puzzle without that last piece.鈥 By fostering conversations about identity and inclusion, Stanton hopes to create spaces where individuals feel fully seen and valued, particularly in educational settings.
Stanton builds on the foundation of open dialogue and guides educators in the practical steps needed to create truly inclusive spaces鈥攎oving beyond discussion to meaningful reform. They believe that ensuring students feel seen in the curriculum fosters a sense of belonging and encourages active participation in the classroom community. Stanton emphasizes the importance of extending this mindset beyond the classroom through community outreach. They invite others to move past online advocacy and ask what more they can do to create lasting change. Through Teaching While Queer, Stanton champions community engagement, encourages conversations that foster understanding, advises individuals on how to be effective allies, and advocates for building safer, more inclusive spaces in practical ways.
Teaching While Queer is hosting a virtual conference on October 11, 2025 (National Coming Out Day), featuring discussions and presentations designed to provide resources and support for 2SLGBTQIA+ educators and students. Unlike many academic conferences that can be financially prohibitive, Stanton is committed to making this event intentionally low-cost to ensure accessibility for all. By demonstrating how individual schools and classrooms can function as safe spaces for both students and teachers, they continue to drive forward their mission of restoring hope and inclusion for queer individuals.
About Teaching While Queer
Teaching While Queer works to create inclusive schools by advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ educators, students, and families, ensuring that every teacher can teach authentically, every family belongs, and every child learns in a safe, affirming environment. We envision a future where every classroom in the United States is free from injustice, inequity, and oppression, ensuring that every educator and student鈥攔egardless of identity鈥攆eels safe, valued, and empowered to thrive.
Registration for the conference will open in June and requests for proposals will open in April. Visit www.teachingwhilequeer.org for details.