Exploring Queer Identities in Rural Education with K Ponce Martinez

 In this month’s episode of Queer Coded, we sit down with Mr. K Ponce Martinez, a queer educator teaching in a special education Headstart classroom in rural Eastern Oregon. Mr. Ponce Martinez discusses the intersection of his multi-faceted identity and how heteronormativity affected his identity growing up. He also sheds light on his experiences accessing necessary and affirming medical care in his rural community. We discuss the role of gender-affirming care both within and outside of an LGBTQ+ context. Mr. Ponce Martinez also discusses gender dysphoria and the role it has played in his life. We also discuss coming out as a queer educator in a rural setting, and we explore navigating that experience under the current social and political climate. Additionally, we discuss the role that community-based organizations can play in helping educators create a more affirming educational experience for their students. We hope you enjoy the premiere episode of Queer Coded.