They won't be happy until every member of the LGBTQ+ community is forced back into the closet.
Parents Filed a Formal Complaint Because I'm Gay
Teacher Support &/or Advice
The title basically.
Admin pulled me into their office to discuss a parental complaint against me for "teaching the class that homosexuality was okay". Along with a diatribe about it "going against the Christian values of my family, and the teacher should keep her personal life and politics away from our child and out of the classroom".
For background, the students asked me about my husband since I wear a wedding ring. I didn't want to lie and I didn't know what else to say, so I said "well, my wife is very nice" and the students got excitable and one student said something along the lines of "you married a GIRL and you're a girl? That's weird!" And I just said "well, sometimes boys marry boys and girls marry girls, okay? I like my wife a lot, thank you for asking about her, but let's move on with the lesson!" And that was it.
We got done with the lesson and nothing else happened, and it was never brought up again.
The complaint came in a few days later, and the principal wanted to discuss it with me to "check the facts". To their credit, the principal upon hearing my side said "We fully support you. I know your wife, and she's wonderful, your kids are wonderful and you're wonderful. Talk about her any time and as much as you like, and we will always have your back here".
Despite my principal's reassurance, I'm still floored and depressed honestly. I literally cried right there in the office... I was crying at home too... I've seen so many other teachers talk about their spouses, with much more detail than I gave, while even having pictures on their desks of their families and husbands/wives... Why can't I even "admit" I have a wife without worrying again?
I swear I am a good teacher. I do my best every single day. And the child of those parents who complained is one of my best, and is an absolutely amazing student who is always engaged and helpful. Before this "issue" many parents spoke highly of me. Their child also has never complained and never expressed anything other than surprise at my revelation, lol... But now I'm a terrible teacher for "pushing sinful lifestyles on our children"? (Also in the complaint).
I hate feeling like I have to hide a massive part of myself to just have some peace at work. I hate feeling like I have to omit specifics with my coworkers or parents when sharing any personal experience. I've been married legally to my wife for a long time. We have children together. We've built a life. And I'm proud of that life. I just wish parents cared more about how I actually teach and serve their kids, rather than who I choose to spend my life with. Sigh...
@ACG2 @CriticalCupcake You should never have to hide who you are and who you love!!! I’m sorry some our fricken hateful society are such prejudice mother fuckers. You are a good everything…. Don’t ever think you are not. ❤️💙🌈
@CriticalCupcake the kid in question probably didn't even complain at home but just told the parents about a new insight they had, only the parents being a real PITA (being a mother and meeting other parents of my kids classmates I know there are some real troublesome people among them) I'm glad to hear the principal had your back through.
I wish you peace of mind and a good way to deal with this in the future, but yeah it's bad that we're in 2023 and still fight the same small mindedness. 🤗
@CriticalCupcake I am so sorry about this horrible treatment of you. Our country is going backwards and it’s hurting so many people. I’m glad at least the administration supported you and your family. I hope that continues. The ignorance and bigotry is running amuck. I don’t know the answers. Just know there are many who love you and just want you to be you.
Keeping you in my heart and thoughts today.
@CriticalCupcake These prejudiced and small-minded people are the minority. But right now their voices are being allowed to drown out the majority of Americans who believe in true equality. You deserve respect and the freedom to be yourself. The rest of us need to get LOUD about standing up for our neighbors 🌈
@CriticalCupcake The parents behind that complaint SUCK. Hopefully, they won't infect their kids with that noninclusive crap. Hopefully, the kids will see a better way to relate to people thanks to you being you.
@CriticalCupcake stay strong. Be good. Don’t break. I’m sorry we live in such shitty times. Don’t let them break you
@CriticalCupcake ((((❤️)))) Parents can be awful, especially these days with the recent SCOTUS rulings #politics
I wish I had an answer to open their eyes and hearts. I am happy your principal has your back. I hope you also have the support of other teachers there and potentially a Teachers Union, too.
Also, 👋🏽 Welcome to CoSo!
#TeachingLife