Episode Details

“You can only be your authentic self when you’re safe — but even when you’re not, you can still leave glimpses of your light.” 

In this deeply moving episode of Teaching While Queer, host Bryan Stanton (he/they) speaks with Dr. Jimmy Chrismon (he/him), a theatre education professor at Illinois State University, about navigating faith, fear, and authenticity as a queer educator.

Jimmy shares his powerful story of growing up in a devout religious household, enduring conversion therapy, and teaching in the public school system for 17 years before he was ever able to say the words “I’m a gay teacher” out loud. Now, as a college professor mentoring the next generation of theatre teachers, he helps his students build inclusive classrooms — and redefine what it means to create truly negotiated spaces for learning.

This episode is a testament to the courage it takes to live authentically and the quiet revolutions that happen when educators lead with empathy, reflection, and truth.

Key Takeaways

• The long shadow of conversion therapy: how early trauma shapes queer identity in adulthood.
• From fear to freedom: Jimmy’s first time coming out publicly — to his college students.
• “Negotiated space” vs. “safe space”: a new framework for trauma-informed classrooms.
• How authenticity invites trust: why students value realness over perfection.
• Faith and queerness can coexist: finding spirituality after religious rejection.
• Advice for queer student teachers: how to protect your peace while showing up authentically.

About the Guest

Dr. Jimmy Chrismon (he/him) is a theatre educator and professor at Illinois State University, where he heads the Theatre Teacher Education Program. With over 17 years in secondary education, Jimmy brings compassion, humor, and honesty to his work training future teachers. His research focuses on trauma-informed pedagogy, negotiated classroom spaces, and queer representation in the arts.

He is also the host of ThedTalks: A Theatre Education Podcast, where he highlights theatre educators’ stories and shares practical classroom insights.

Resources & Links

• Illinois State University School of Theatre and Dance: finearts.illinoisstate.edu/theatre-dance
• Fed Talk: A Theatre Education Podcast — fedtalkpodcast.com
• Teaching While Queer — www.teachingwhilequeer.org
• Email: teachingwhilequeerpodcast@gmail.com
• Follow on Instagram: @TeachingWhileQueer

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This podcast explores the challenges and successes of queer representation in education, tackling topics like burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the role of advocacy in building inclusive classrooms, safe spaces, and anti-bullying strategies. It centers support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, asexual, aromantic, agender, two-spirit, and non-binary teachers, and addresses how gender identity in schools can be honored to combat isolation and foster community.

Teaching While Queer is a podcast for LGBTQ+ educators navigating teaching, leadership, a