Intersections of Twice-Exceptional and LGBTQIA+ Identities: Two Educators’ Perspectives

Includes a Live Web Event on 01/20/2026 at 7:00 PM (EST)

This NAGC Twice-Exceptional Special Interest Group (SIG) webinar uniquely presents two LGBTQIA+ educators who specialize in the teaching of 2e students. Presenters describe statistical and identity-based similarities and differences between 2e and gifted LGBTQIA+ groups. They add how their being LGBTQIA+ and simultaneously being either 2e or 2e allies influences their teaching, parenting, coaching, and consulting approaches today toward gifted, 2e, and gifted LGBTQIA+ students. The speakers also will take questions from the audience on their experiences and techniques, as well as those of 2e LGBTQIA+ youth familiar to attendees. (Webinar copresented by the NAGC LGBTQ+ Network and the 2e SIG)

Terry Friedrichs

Terry Friedrichs is a nearly 50-year teacher of gifted students with various disabilities. He has earned MN teaching licenses and/or certifications in K-12 gifted education, learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and autism spectrum disorders, as well as in adult learning disabilities. He also has earned a Ph. D. in gifted education and learning disabilities from the University of Virginia, and an Ed. D. in Critical Theory in Education from the University of St. Thomas. His specialties include academic teaching of 2e youth, advocacy for 2e in state legislation, and institutional barriers to 2e and 2e LGBTQIA+ youth in school. He is presently enrolled in the Ph. D. Program in Gerontology and Adult Education and will be specializing in the study of twice-exceptional and LGBTQ+ persons among elders.

Doug Alexander

Doug Alexander, MA, NBCT, is a Gifted Education Specialist in Boulder Valley School District in Colorado, and has been teaching students who are gifted for 22 years. He also is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in gifted education from the University of Northern Colorado, where he obtained a Master of Gifted Education degree. He holds both Colorado teacher certification in Gifted Education K-12, and National Board certification in Gifted Education. Doug leads gifted-focused professional development courses in his district and presents about gifted education at the local, state, and national levels. He is the chair for NAGC's LGBTQ+ Network and president of state affiliate Colorado Association for Gifted & Talented (CAGT), in addition to being past-president of Boulder Valley Gifted and Talented (BVGT), a local nonprofit affiliate of CAGT. Doug has a passion for project-based and problem-based learning, and embraces his reputation as an unconventional teacher.

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