Welcome back, listeners. Readers? We took a small hiatus (well, I did) from putting together episodes after the whirlwind that was #IATEFL2026. More on that in another substack post… though I do mention it in this new episode, which centres a beautiful friend, Ethan.
They’re originally from Vietnam, now thriving—post PhD—in Atlanta being Queer AF, to quote them of course. I’m not sure when or how I first met them, but it was through some digital space, likely a queer education one, which led me to spilling my guts for their research, buying their book on allyship in ELT, and talking about it all over IATEFL Live a few years ago during Pride Month.
Speaking of, my gift to us all or rather Ethan’s gift to us all is a new episode of #werkbookpodcast!
00:00 – Softness is a superpower
We’re half full… and staying soft in a hard world is its own kind of rebellion.
03:15 – Intersectional fabulous realness
Ethan talks intersectionality, living visibly, and why a pearl necklace can be both an accessory and a manifesto.
08:00 – Identities aren’t pie charts, darling
We unpack nationality, queerness, and the complicated business of belonging—to countries, communities, and ourselves.
15:58 – Growing up queer in Vietnam
From media portrayal to hát lô tô, Ethan reflects on navigating early life and culture that built their curiousity.
25:08 – Returning home as an openly queer leader
There’s something deliciously full-circle about coming back to Vietnam as your whole self—and making institutions take notes.
27:36 – The coming out story
We love a supportive family arc. Did Ethan get one?
37:19 – Claim your power, teachers
Queer people belong in classrooms, research, leadership, and policy—not just surviving systems, but reshaping them.
41:34 – Visibility isn’t free labour
Research, allyship, tokenisation, lived experience, and money all in one segment!
47:57 – Spirituality requires authenticity
From temples to trains, Ethan reflects on self-acceptance, higher powers, and why you can’t build a life on a closet door.
52:21 – Queer joy is Taylor. That is all.
Friendship, mentorship, found family; plus some traditions must endure. 🌈✨
Final vibe check:
Softness is power, identity is fluid, and queer joy is in the conversations—and a fabulous necklace 💖
Enjoy! See you next.
