This week, KC talks with two passionate people behind the soon to open PROUD Academy (Gr 7-12) in New Haven—Patty Nicolari, the founder and executive director, and Brandon Iovene, graduate student and board member. The school’s mission is to provide a safe and affirming learning environment for all students, but particularly for LGBTQIA+ students. It is one of only a few schools like it in the country, and in this conversation, they talk about what it’s like for queer youth and teachers in schools and the challenges and possibilities in creating an affirming school from the ground up.