This podcast episode delves into the topic of LGBTQ+ safety and belonging during school trips, featuring insights from Emily, an LGBTQ+ consultant for international schools. The episode unpacks the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ students and staff during travel and highlights the importance of proactive policies, harm reduction strategies, and inclusive practices. Emily shares her professional journey, beginning as a school counselor and evolving into an advocate for systemic change in international schools. She discusses her research-backed frameworks for supporting LGBTQ+ safety, addressing stigma, and creating affirming environments that transcend cultural and legal boundaries.

Listeners will learn about the complexities of international school travel, including privacy concerns, cultural sensitivities, and strategies for collaborating with external providers. Emily emphasizes the importance of leadership, clear policies, and early intervention to prevent harm and promote belonging. Her practical tools, including pre-screening home stays and questionnaires for external providers, empower schools to take actionable steps in creating safer travel experiences for all students.

Episode Highlights

Introduction to the Course and Emily’s Work

Overview of the LGBTQ+ safety and belonging course for school trips.

Emily’s background as a school counselor and LGBTQ+ consultant.

Challenges in International School Travel

Privacy concerns for transgender students regarding passports.

Cultural sensitivities in countries with varying LGBTQ+ laws.

Research-Backed Frameworks

Development of frameworks addressing stigma and discrimination.

Application of child development research to international contexts.

Proactive Policies and Harm Reduction

Importance of implementing identity-based anti-harassment policies.

Strategies to ensure safety without outing LGBTQ+ students.

Practical Tools for Schools

Pre-screening home stay families for inclusivity.

Using questionnaires to vet external trip providers.

The Role of Leadership

Emphasis on sturdy, calm, and decisive leadership during challenges.

Steering school policies with courage and clarity.

Nuances of International School Settings

Differences between local and international school systems.

Complications of students traveling to less inclusive regions.

Catalysts for Change

Common triggers for schools to seek LGBTQ+ consulting.

Benefits of proactive approaches over reactive measures.

Addressing Bias

Reflecting on biases that educators bring into diverse contexts.

Examples of overcoming misconceptions through personal experiences.

Supporting Students and Staff

Importance of affirming policies for both LGBTQ+ students and allies.

Balancing community opinions with institutional values.

Resources for Schools

Emily’s website as a hub for templates and starting points.

Tools for initiating conversations and training staff.

Final Insights

Encouragement for schools to prioritize safety and belonging.

The importance of courage and determination in creating systemic change.

Episode Takeaways

- Proactive measures, such as implementing inclusive policies and pre-screening trip arrangements, are critical to ensuring LGBTQ+ safety and belonging during school travel.

- Leadership plays a pivotal role in steering schools toward clear and affirming values, even in the face of community resistance.

- Utilizing research-backed frameworks and practical tools can empower schools to navigate the complexities of international travel with LGBTQ+ students and staff.

Quotes

“Leadership requires thinking about what the school actually believes and steering the airplane straight—even in turbulence.”

“There’s always a way to make a school safer, no matter the context. It’s about finding the right entry point.”

“Proactive policies are like building the plane before you fly it—it’s easier, safer, and more effective.”