Unlearn Pod

In this episode of UNLEARN, I (Milla) sit down with Slay Way, team leader at Rainbow Hub Waikato , to explore how language, lived experiences, and cultural perspectives shape our understanding of gender—and what that means for educators. Slay shares their personal journey growing up in rural Aotearoa, navigating a world that didn’t always make space for gender diversity. We discuss the power of words, the evolving nature of identity, and the importance of listening to those whose experiences differ from our own. This conversation invites educators to reflect deeply on how schools reinforce (or challenge) binary gender norms and how we can create learning environments that truly foster belonging. Key themes in this episode: How childhood experiences shape our understanding of gender The role of language—when it liberates and when it limits Why silence on gender diversity is not neutral but upholds the status quo Takatāpui and Indigenous perspectives on gender—what educators can learn Th...

In this episode of UNLEARN, I (Milla - she/her) dive into a conversation with Chelsea Haughton (she/her), a fellow master's student on Change and Organisational Resilience and advocate for queer communities in Wellington. Together, we explore the complexities of creating spaces that are not only safer but also braver for LGBTQIA+ individuals and beyond . We discuss what it means to embrace intersectionality and the challenges of supporting individuals navigating diverse identities at any age. One of the key issues we discuss is the harmful over sexualisation of trans and nonbinary kids and adults —a deeply ingrained bias that associates gender diversity with sexual behaviour, often leading to inappropriate assumptions and stereotypes. This over sexualisation can make trans and nonbinary students feel objectified, unsafe, or excluded in school environments. By unpacking these biases, we explore how educators can challenge harmful narratives and focus on supporting students in expres...