This episode is for school librarians, elementary educators, and district leaders who want to create truly inclusive and affirming library spaces—without fear or burnout. Bryan (they/them) sits down with Bec Anderson (they/them), a nonbinary librarian from Kansas, to talk about what “Reading the Rainbow” really means, how librarians can push back against book bans, and why visibility matters in small communities.

Key Takeaways:

• How to build a library collection that mirrors your students’ lived experiences
• Practical ways to make queer and diverse representation visible in subtle, safe ways
• The power of book choice as a pathway to empathy and lifelong learning
• How administrators can support librarians during book bans and budget cuts
• Why inclusive books benefit all students, not just marginalized ones

About Our Guest:

Bec Anderson (they/them) is a Title I school librarian in central Kansas with seven years of experience in education. Formerly a fourth-grade teacher, Bec now leads the “Reading the Rainbow” initiative—helping librarians and teachers ensure their collections reflect the full spectrum of student identities. They’re currently pursuing a master’s in Library Science and advocate fiercely for inclusive, student-centered literacy practices.

Resources & Links:

• “Reading the Rainbow” session notes from Teaching While Queer Conference (available soon)
• We Need Diverse Books initiative — https://diversebooks.org
• American Library Association: ALA’s Office for Intellectual Freedom

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Subscribe: to Teaching While Queer

Visit: teachingwhilequeer.org

Follow: @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.

Keywords: inclusive literacy, queer librarians, book bans, diverse classroom libraries, LGBTQ education, equity in schools

The podcast explores the challenges and successes of Queer representation in education, addressing issues such as burnout, tokenism, doxing, and the importance of advocacy in creating inclusive classrooms, safe spaces, and anti-bullying strategies, with a focus on supporting gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, asexual, aromantic, agender, two-spirit, and non-binary teachers and gender identity in schools to combat the feeling of isolation and lack of community.

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