In this first installment of a multi-episode series, Dr. Sid Adams explores why LGBTQ+ inclusion is essential to building healthy, expressive music classrooms. Drawing on his doctoral research on how LGBTQ+ music students experience school music programs — and how policies and practices influence their decisions to disclose or hide their identities — Sid lays the groundwork for more intentional and affirming teaching.

This episode breaks down core concepts like sex assigned at birth, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, visibility, and belonging, giving educators a clear framework for understanding the lived realities of LGBTQ+ students in music spaces.

Listeners will walk away with guiding questions and foundational insights that set the stage for the next episode, “Putting Inclusion Into Practice,” where we’ll explore concrete strategies for creating more inclusive ensembles, classrooms, and musical communities.