NEU LGBT+ Conference 2026

Season 5, episode 11.This week we are joined by the incredible Professor Virginia Braun and Professor Victoria Clarke to discuss the development of Reflexive Thematic Analysis and its lasting impact on qualitative research. In the episode we discuss reflexivity, researcher identity, LGBTQ+ visibility and representation, advice for PhD students, and inclusive approaches to research. We also examine the ethical challenges posed by generative AI and its implications for the future of research.References in this episode:Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using Thematic Analysis in Psychology. Qualitative Research in PsychologyBraun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021). Thematic Analysis: A Practical Guide. Sage Publications.We love to hear your feedback, so please rate and review this episode. You can find out more about Pride & Progress on our website: ⁠⁠www.prideprogress.co.uk⁠⁠Thanks for listening!

Season 5, episode 9.This week we speak with the brilliant Dr Liam Cahill and Dr Beth Jones about their research into LGBTQ+ mental health, wellbeing, body image, and community experiences. We explore minority stress, loneliness, community connection, and the mental health impacts of discrimination and misinformation. Emphasising co-produced, affirmative research and real-world impact, Beth and Liam highlight how centring lived experience can inform better policy and practice, while sharing optimism grounded in resilient communities and a growing generation of engaged, affirming researchers.Links to research referenced in this episode:Understanding protective and risk factors in preventing suicide among LGBTQ+ youth in the UKhttps://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00207411.2025.2575422 State of Play: Mental Health, Gender Minority Stress and Affirmative Experiences among Trans and Gender Diverse Young People in the United Kingdomhttps://osf.io/preprints/psyarxiv/8wysb_v1 Understanding the role of gender congruence and affirming care in trans men’s body image and quality of lifehttps://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/26895269.2025.2483223 “I feel good, I feel comfortable, I feel at home”: Understanding the role of positive body image manifestations, body neutrality and functionality appreciation for trans menhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1740144525000920 “My queer identity and my family identity are two very separate things”: A mixed-methods study investigating the psychological implications of family identity and support for trans and gender diverse youth during the COVID-19 pandemichttps://psycnet.apa.org/record/2025-12600-001 "[He] can be supportive, but at times I feel he is ashamed of me": Understanding the relationship between parental support and quality of life amongst trans and gender diverse youth in the UKhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38328592/ Exploring the mental health experiences of young trans and gender diverse people during the Covid-19 pandemichttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10373615/ We love to hear your feedback, so please rate and review this episode. You can find out more about Pride & Progress on our website: ⁠⁠www.prideprogress.co.uk⁠⁠Thanks for listening!

Season 5, episode 7.In this week’s episode we explore the topic of ‘doing your doctorate’ with three fantastic guests,  Richard McDonald, Sarah Roeschlaub, and  Dr Robert Grant. Our panel share their doctoral journeys, discussing why they pursued a PhD, what the process actually looks like, the challenges, the rewards, and why LGBTQ+ research is so important at this level.If you are an LGBTQ+ teacher and would like to be part of Jo Brassington's brilliant PhD research project, looking at the power of networks, please get in touch: [email protected] love to hear your feedback, so please rate and review this episode. You can find out more about Pride & Progress on our website: ⁠⁠www.prideprogress.co.uk⁠⁠Thanks for listening!

This week we bring you a special episode recorded at the NEU LGBT+ Educators' Conference. We bring you interviews with attendees and exhibitors, and discuss the brand new 'Coming Out at Work' guidance which will be made available soon (details available here: https://neu.org.uk/latest/library/right-choose-model-policy)We love to hear your feedback, so please rate and review this episode. You can find out more about Pride & Progress on our website: ⁠⁠www.prideprogress.co.uk⁠⁠Thanks for listening!

Season 5, episode 6.This week we are joined by Dr Dom Jackson-Cole and Joris Lechêne to explore the concept of intersectionality, discussing its origins, evolution, and relevance in education and LGBTQ+ inclusion. The conversation traces the term back to Kimberlé Crenshaw’s foundational legal scholarship and expands into its broader applications, critiques, and misuses. Resources discussed in this episode:Crenshaw, Kimberlé (1989) – Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics.Crenshaw, Kimberlé (1991) – Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color.Collins, Patricia Hill (2019) – Intersectionality as Critical Social Theory.Delgado, Richard (2011) – Intersectionality and the Future of Critical Race Theory.We love to hear your feedback, so please rate and review this episode. You can find out more about Pride & Progress on our website: ⁠⁠www.prideprogress.co.uk⁠⁠Thanks for listening!

Season 5, Episode 6In this episode we are exploring the brilliant new documentary 'Queering Blackpool', which premiered earlier this year. We speak with the researcher behind the film, Helen Eadon-Sinkinson, before sharing a Q&A recorded LIVE at one of the film's sold-out premier events earlier this year, including: 🎙 Host, Jo Brassington🎥 Researcher & Filmmaker, Helen Eadon-Sinkinson🎥 Filmmaker, Alexander Blackburn⭐️ Star of the film, Adrian Thornton-Coats (aka DJ Zoe) We'll be sure to update these show notes when more screenings are available for Queering Blackpool, but for now, connect with the filmmakers at: 📱Helen Eadon-Sinkinson @helen.eadon📱Alexander Blackburn @alexanderblackburnWe love to hear your feedback, so please rate and review this episode. You can find out more about Pride & Progress on our website: ⁠⁠www.prideprogress.co.uk⁠⁠Thanks for listening!

Season 5, Episode 5This week we are joined by the brilliant Dr Finn Mackay (they/them) to discuss radical feminism, masculinity, trans inclusion, and the power of bridging activism with academia. Drawing on their work in education, public engagement, and gender research, Finn shares practical insights for creating inclusive spaces, navigating polarised debates, and supporting LGBTQ+ young people.Recommendations shared in this episode:📺 What’s Feminist About Equality? Finn’s TED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVB7BWHaUT4📃 Positive humanity, when? Is masculinity worth saving? https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09589236.2025.2502679📕 The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love, by bell hooksQuestion to consider: Look out for how gender works in your lifeWe love to hear your feedback, so please rate and review this episode. You can find out more about Pride & Progress on our website: ⁠⁠www.prideprogress.co.uk⁠⁠Thanks for listening!

Season 5, Special EpisodeIn this episode we take a break from our research focussed series to share a special interview with Kacey DeGroot, who is standing to be elected as the Deputy General Secretary of the National Education Union. Kacey, who uses she/her pronouns, is a trans woman and a secondary school Drama teacher. She transitioned quite visibly in the school she still teaches at full time, and she says it was that process that brought her to the trade union movement. Since joining the NEU, Kacey was a founding member of the NEU Trans and non-binary network and in 2020 was elected onto the national executive of the union representing, what is now, 21,000 LGBT+ members. Kacey won Role Model of the Year at the Queer Student Awards 2025 and is now taking the huge step of standing for the elected Deputy General Secretary of the NEU. If successful Kacey will be a trans woman co-leading the biggest education union in Europe. You can find out more about Kacey's campaign on her website: https://www.kaceydegroot.org@kaceydegroot_for_dgsThanks for listening!www.prideprogress.co.ukPhoto Credit: Jess Hurd

Season 5, Episode 4This week we are joined by Dr Kevin Guyan to discuss his new book Rainbow Trap: Queer Lives, Classifications, and the Dangers of Inclusion.Kevin is a writer and researcher whose work explores the intersection of data and identity. He is the author of Rainbow Trap and the brilliant Queer Data: Using Gender, Sex and Sexuality Data for Action. Kevin is a Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Edinburgh and Director of the Gender + Sexuality Data Lab.Recommendations discussed in this episode:📘 Rainbow Trap, by Kevin Guyan📘 Queer Data, by Kevin Guyan📘 Sex is as Sex does, by Paisley CurrahWe love to hear your feedback, so please rate and review this episode. You can find out more about Pride & Progress on our website: ⁠⁠www.prideprogress.co.uk⁠⁠Thanks for listening!

Season 5, Episode 3This week we are joined by Dr Jack Bryne Stothard and Dr Ben Johnson to discuss the life and work of Michel Foucault.Michel Foucault (1926–1984) was a French philosopher, historian, social theorist, and literary critic, widely regarded as one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. His work explored the relationship between power, knowledge, and social institutions, and he challenged many traditional ideas about how societies function.Recommendations discussed in this episode:📘 Discipline and Punish by Michel Foucault📘 The History of Sexuality, Volume 1 by Michel Foucault📘 The Force of Truth by Daniele Lorenzini📘 Foucault, Power, and Education by Stephen J. Ball📘 The Joy of Foucault by Ben Johnson (in The Guide to LGBTQ+ Research)📘 Introducing Foucault: A Graphic Guide🎧 Philosophize This! podcast📺 Beyond Good and Evil (1993) – Documentary on YouTubeWe love to hear your feedback, so please rate and review this episode. You can find out more about Pride & Progress on our website: ⁠⁠www.prideprogress.co.uk⁠⁠Thanks for listening!