The Language of Queer Advocacy in Academia with Damon Young

Teaching While Queer, Season 2, Episode 33
Sitting down with Damon Young (he/him) at the University of Strathclyde, we enter the world of a queer educator where the intersection of personal identity and professional life creates a tapestry of rich experiences. Together, we navigate the shifting sands of language, discussing the reclamation of terms that once stung but now empower. As Damon shares his life as a gay cisgender male embracing the label 'queer,' I find common ground in the word's comfort and its generational journey from slur to badge of pride. This conversation is a testament to the evolution of language and our place within its narrative.

Our dialogue takes a poignant turn as we reminisce about the challenges and victories of growing up queer, from the oppressive days shadowed by Section 28 to the unexpected sanctuaries like school bands where acceptance bloomed. We chronicle the remarkable transformation from the '90s, a time of overt discrimination, to today's landscape of increased LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. The tales of our past—of bullying, finding community in music, and the ongoing pursuit of self-identity—are interwoven with the acknowledgment that knowing and celebrating our history is a form of empowerment, and educates us on the collective journey toward acceptance.

The episode culminates in an exploration of advocacy and policy within academia, a realm where equality, diversity, and inclusion are still being actively forged. Damon and I dissect the nuances of LGBTQ+ policies across UK universities, the struggle for consistent interpretation, and the need for policies that go beyond legal compliance. We reflect on the importance of allies, the creation of supportive networks, and the aspirations to shape educational institutions into bastions of inclusivity. Listen in for an honest look at the quest for an equitable society and the resilience of the queer educational community.

Support the Show.

To be a guest or to hear more episodes visit www.teachingwhilequeer.com.

Follow Teaching While Queer on Instagram at @TeachingWhileQueer.

You can find host, Bryan Stanton, on Instagram.

Support the podcast by becoming a subscriber. For information click here.