Dusty Rader is the Interim Coordinator of the LGBTQ Center at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), where he also teaches Introduction to Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Vermont, followed quickly by his Master of Arts in Teaching from CCSU. He began his career as a high school English teacher in Connecticut, simultaneously providing professional development workshops regarding LGBTQIA+ students, particularly transgender students, to districts and education organizations in the state, regionally, and nationally. Under the unofficial business name “Genderally Speaking,” Dusty leverages his knowledge and experiences to cultivate and maintain empathetic, compassionate, and inclusive safe spaces across school boards, educators, and administrators. He continues this work by providing Safe Zone Trainings through CCSU. He has had the opportunity to give a TEDx Talk and write an article in the Hartford Courant, and has been featured in multiple publications including NEA Today, the Hartford Courant, and NBC’s #Pride30. Raised by two educators, he is a strong proponent of the value of education in promoting equality, and continues his endeavor to educate through his work at CCSU and PROUD Academy.
