UnErasing LGBTQ History and Identities: A Podcast for Teachers

On April 27th, 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed Executive Order 10450, a quiet but devastating policy that institutionalized fear, fueled decades of discrimination against LGBTQ people, and erased countless lives from public service. Our host, Kathleen Barker, will unpack the context that led to this order, how it impacted generations of Americans, and why understanding this history matters more today than ever.CLICK HERE to learn how History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place - the classroom.

On January 13, 1983, Deborah Johnson and Zandra Rolón went to Papa Choux restaurant in Los Angeles for a romantic dinner. Little did they know that their desire to dine in one of the restaurant's booths would lead to a landmark civil rights case, Rolón v. Kulwitzky. And in the pursuit of justice, some cases transcend the courtroom, shaping history and shifting the cultural landscape. In our previous episode, you heard from Zandra, and now you will hear from Deborah about how this historic court case impacted her life and activism.CLICK HERE to learn how History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place - the classroom.

On January 13, 1983, Deborah Johnson and Zandra Rolón went to Papa Choux restaurant in Los Angeles for a romantic dinner. Little did they know that their reservation for a romantic dinner would lead to a landmark civil rights case. In this episode, we spoke with Zandra to learn how this historic court case impacted her life. Have a listen!CLICK HERE to learn how History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place - the classroom.

From landmark legal battles to the everyday ways we express ourselves, free speech is at the heart of what it means to live in a democracy. But with great freedom comes great responsibility. In this episode, you will learn about a few Supreme Court cases - related to free speech - that impact our lives and freedoms.CLICK HERE to learn how History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place - the classroom.

Stories about penguins get more attention during the chill of winter, but they have a lot to teach us any time of the year. These fascinating birds are known for their unique behaviors and unbreakable bonds, but it is their same-sex love stories - and roles as adoptive parents - that seem to capture hearts and minds worldwide. In this episode, we'll explore the science, stories, and symbolism behind these same-sex penguin pairings, and celebrate how the natural world is a mirror to the beautiful diversity of the human experience. CLICK HERE to learn how History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place - the classroom.

This episode introduces Billie Jean King's legacy, which extends far beyond her achievements and athleticism on the tennis court. As an LGBTQ pioneer and an unwavering advocate for women's rights, King has used her platform to challenge social norms, fight for equal pay and gender equality, and break down barriers for the LGBTQ community.   CLICK HERE to learn how History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place - the classroom.

This episode is a deep dive into a monumental Supreme Court case that opened the door for marriage equality and other extensions of liberty for LGBTQ people. You will learn the backstory about how and why this case traveled from Texas to the highest court in the nation, hear quotes from a few of the Justices, and more!  CLICK HERE to learn how History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place - the classroom.

Hear from author and podcaster Matt Baume who discusses his book, Hi Honey, I'm Homo! Sitcoms, Specials, and The Queering of American Culture. As Matt unpacks the history, you will hear a few clips from the groundbreaking sitcoms in his book - and the messages are as profound and relevant today as they were decades ago!CLICK HERE to learn how History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place - the classroom.

This episode explores a topic that is both timeless and timely: Drag. Drag has deep historical roots and is a vibrant art form that has not only entertained but provided a critique of cultural, political, and social topics. We had the opportunity to sit down with Glitter and Concrete: A Cultural History of Drag in New York City* author and historian Elyssa Maxx Goodman to learn more about the history, significance, and evolution of drag, as well as its enduring impact on our culture. This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler. CLICK HERE to learn how History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place - the classroom.

In this Deep Dives and Backstories episode, you will meet someone whose life and career bridged diverse worlds—East and West, traditional and modern, queer and straight—and built a legacy that deserves its rightful place in the story of America. This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler. CLICK HERE to learn how History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place - the classroom.

For this Deep Dive and Backstory episode, we had the opportunity to speak with the Honorable Patrick Murphy, who has served our nation - and American democracy - in many capacities, including being the driving force to repeal the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.  This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler. CLICK HERE to learn how History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place - the classroom.

Language Note: In our attempt to find a common language that is conceptual and applicable across the historical narrative, before the well-recognized acronym of today's world, we are using the word 'queer' in this episode for the people whose lives began - and ended - before the 21st Century. This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler. Special thanks to our colleagues Danny Roberts, Triana Wilson, Leslie Anne Frye-Thomas, and Dinah Mack for lending their voices to read the letters featured in this episode.CLICK HERE to learn how History UnErased is putting LGBTQ history in its rightful place - the classroom.

In this episode, you will meet someone whose influence and impact on the story of America is monumental. He famously said, “I love America more than any other country in the world and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” Keep that idea in mind as you listen.This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler. Special thanks to Jocardo Ralston for being the voice of James Baldwin.

In this episode, you will meet two fascinating people who expand our understanding of the possible motivations people may have had to venture into the Wild West. Welcome to the fluid frontier! This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler.

In this episode, our host Kathleen Barker will introduce a surprising backstory to a well-known holiday classic. You will also hear commentary from a few members of our team who gathered online for a screening of this holiday special - and then hit “record” to capture an unscripted discussion about the queerness in this classic story.This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler.

In this episode, you will meet a little-known and underappreciated figure connected to the Revolutionary War.  In addition to his backstory, you will also hear commentary from two special guests we interviewed for this episode - the author and illustrator of a graphic novel that invites young adults (or adults of any age) to dive into this Revelation about the Revolution!This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler.

We have learned, throughout the course of history, that it is often incidental acts - by everyday people - that prove to be historic, consequential actions.In this episode, Kathleen will introduce you to someone whose story needs to be told, deserves to be told, and for a variety of reasons - especially today. This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler.

Did you know that there are actually a number of schools in the United States that are named in honor of LGBTQ individuals – some knowingly and some unintentionally? This episode is an exploration of school names that uncover some LGBTQ history hiding in plain sight! This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler.

We live in a nation that commemorates historical events with monuments and markers, yet so many of the monuments we visit are ripe with misinformation, disinformation, and erasure. And once literally built into stone and metal, those myths are very hard to dismantle. How can we correct this problem? We took a road trip to explore some historical monuments that actually embody a much larger - and more complex story. Jump in, buckle up, and welcome to our podcast on monumental misinformation!This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler.

Do you know why June is PRIDE Month? Have you ever wondered why we use the word PRIDE to celebrate LGBTQ joy in the first place?  In this final episode of Season Two, Kathleen will unpack the history behind the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, which we replicate, in various ways, during PRIDE Month. Listen in as we explore and celebrate the past, present, and future of PRIDE. This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler.

Aloha! In this episode, you will hear the story of the Healer Stones of Kapaemahu, their erasure in the age of American imperialism, and current efforts to restore the monument to the healer stones  - and the story of the mahu - to their rightful place in Hawaiian history.Who are the mahu? What happened to the healer stones? How are they memorialized today? And what can YOU do to keep their history alive? Have a listen! Aloha and Mahalo. This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler.Tremendous thanks to Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson for their generous support of this podcast episode. Both Kapaemahu and Healer Stones of Kapaemahu are directed by Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, Dean Hamer & Joe Wilson, and Kanaka Pakipika.

In this episode, you will meet JR Hardman, a documentary filmmaker, educator and Civil War reenactor, and hear about her first feature-length documentary film currently in production, Reenactress. The film tells the story of the women in the American Civil War reenactment community who portray soldiers, commemorating the women who fought in the Civil War disguised as men. You'll also learn about a discrimination lawsuit filed against the National Park Service and hear more stories of uncommon soldiers who fought valiantly in the Civil War!This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler.

On April 12, 1861, Confederate troops fired on Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, igniting a Civil War that would divide the nation for four long years. Recruiting posters enticed young men to join their friends and family in the military, calling upon their sense of duty and patriotism, and promising adventure and financial gain.In this episode, Kathleen Barker will introduce a Civil War soldier who had a secret; a secret that went all the way to their grave… until 100 years later, that is. Have listen!This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; and Deb Fowler.

In this episode, Kathleen Barker continues the story about Pauli Murray and some of the formative events that shaped their career as a Black, queer, legal and civil rights pioneer.  You will also hear Pauli Murray in their own words from an interview recorded on February 13, 1976, with Genna Rae McNeil, assistant professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, for the Southern Oral History Program.  After listening, we are sure you will agree that we cannot tell the story of America without Pauli Murray!This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; Amanda Hurwitz; and Deb Fowler.

Have you ever heard of Pauli Murray? If you teach twentieth-century American history, in particular the Civil Rights Movement or the women's rights movement, you're probably already familiar with some of Pauli's ideas because of their influence on landmark court cases related to race and gender. You may have even learned about some of Pauli's collaborators, like Thurgood Marshall, Betty Friedan or Ruth Bader Ginsburg. So why is it that most of us never learned about Pauli in school? In this episode, Kathleen Barker will take you back in time to Pauli Murray's early years to learn about some of the formative events that shaped their career as a Black, queer, legal and civil rights pioneer.  You will also hear Pauli Murray in their own words from an interview recorded on February 13, 1976, with Genna Rae McNeil, assistant professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, for the Southern Oral History Program. This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council. It was developed by History UnErased and produced and edited by Dinah Mack; Kathleen Barker; Amanda Hurwitz; and Deb Fowler.

One of the most common worries for educators who want to teach LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum, or make clear that their classrooms are LGBTQ-inclusive, is that they'll get pushback from parents or caregivers. In this episode, you will meet Triana Wilson, who draws on her experience in navigating complex conversations about this topic with parents and caregivers of her new immigrant and refugee students.This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council Committee on Education. It was developed by History UnErased in partnership with Making Gay History and produced by Deb Fowler; Inge De Taeye; and Eric Marcus.

How can teachers of math, science, and other non-humanities content create an LGBTQ-inclusive classroom that is sincere and authentic? What can teachers do, and say, when they witness homophobic statements or behavior? In the episode, you will meet Dr. Heather Brown-Hudson, who has spent the last two decades as an academic, activist, and educator. Heather unpacks these questions and offers reasonable and practical guidance on the opportunities all teachers have to create LGBTQ-inclusive classrooms.This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council Committee on Education. It was developed by History UnErased in partnership with Making Gay History and produced by Deb Fowler; Inge De Taeye; and Eric Marcus.

To simplify the many complexities of our world, humans naturally reach for labels. We use them to categorize others and describe ourselves. But labels evolve over time: some fall out of favor, others are redefined, and new ones are introduced. In this episode, you will meet Stephen Guerriero, a veteran middle school social studies educator, who will take us back to ancient times to help demystify labels and shed new light on sexual orientation and gender identity. This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council Committee on Education. It was developed by History UnErased in partnership with Making Gay History and produced by Deb Fowler; Inge De Taeye; and Eric Marcus.

Books help us understand our world and our place within it. For young people of any age, stories that reflect themselves, their friends, their families, and their communities are a vital source of validation. In this episode, you will meet Kathleen Barker, a library and information specialist and historian, to explore the value of LGBTQ-inclusive books in the classroom—for students as well as teachers.This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council Committee on Education. It was developed by History UnErased in partnership with Making Gay History and produced by Deb Fowler; Inge De Taeye; Ali Lemer; and Eric Marcus.

"Mr. Chip, how can you do that? Your cup! You're drinking out of a pink cup!" In this episode, Chip James, an expert elementary educator, discusses how he seized on an opportunity to educate a group of 3rd-grade students in a discussion that led them towards deconstructing rigid (and ridiculous) gender stereotypes.This History UnErased podcast is funded by the New York City Council Committee on Education. It was developed by History UnErased in partnership with Making Gay History and produced by Deb Fowler; Inge De Taeye; Ali Lemer; and Eric Marcus.

Making our schools truly LGBTQ-inclusive takes time--and requires real systemic change. But creating LGBTQ-inclusive learning environments doesn't always require major policy shifts. Meet Dr. Steven LaBounty-McNair, an expert in K-12 education, who reminds us of the everyday opportunities teachers have to create a more inclusive environment for all students. This History UnErased podcast series is funded by the New York City Council Committee on Education. It was developed in partnership with Making Gay History and produced by Inge De Taeye, Nahanni Rous, and Eric Marcus. 

Creating a supportive and mindful learning environment where all students can be their true selves is vital--but today's gender-expansive identities and language can often seem overwhelming for teachers. Meet Amber Joseph, a middle school teacher in New York City with over a decade of experience, who will provide you with real-world advice and reasonable, actionable steps to honor and include all of the identities your students bring into the classroom. This History UnErased podcast series is funded by the New York City Council Committee on Education. It was developed in partnership with Making Gay History and produced by Inge De Taeye, Nahanni Rous, and Eric Marcus.

How can kindergarten and elementary school teachers help dismantle gender stereotypes and create an inclusive environment for all students? Meet Chip James, who will answer this question (and more) based on decades of experience as an expert elementary educator and also from his private practice serving LGBTQ-identifying youth and their families.This History UnErased podcast series is funded by the New York City Council Committee on Education. It was developed in partnership with Making Gay History and produced by Inge De Taeye, Nahanni Rous, and Eric Marcus. 

For educators who want to create LGBTQ-inclusive classrooms, getting started can be confusing--and quite often prompts some fear. What if I say or do the wrong thing? What if there is pushback? And where do I even begin? UnErasing LGBTQ History and Identities: A Podcast for Teachers provides real-world advice and reasonable, practical strategies on how you can create LGBTQ-inclusive classrooms. Thanks for listening!  This History UnErased podcast series is funded by the New York City Council Committee on Education. It was produced by History UnErased in partnership with Making Gay History's Inge De Taeye, Nahanni Rous, and Eric Marcus.