I don’t know if coming out is something I should do or not anymore. My girlfriend and I want to get married in the next couple of years but thats not something I want to keep secret. It hurts me that I feel like I have to do that, but I don’t want to risk losing my job. I know they can’t fire me for being in a wlw relationship but they don’t have to give a reason. I don’t want the backlash of the community either since the area I teach in is really rural. Just sad I guess.

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I’m sorry you’re going through this, and sad that, once again, GLBTQ+ people are being used as political pawns—mostly to appeal to hard-right voters. I was in your shoes 15 years ago. I just lived my life, answered factually when asked, but kept my personal life to myself. When people saw that my life was as “normal” as theirs, acceptance followed. There were bumps in the road, but sometimes we all have to educate and adjust. I’m just lucky to be in MN with a governor who is supportive and a more educated populace.

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Thank you for your kind reply. Its hard being in the southern part of the Midwest as of late. But we have options and I’m so incredibly blessed with my supportive partner and her family! ♥️

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I had a similar dilemma when I was engaged 3 years ago. I was worried about backlash, but I decided to be me and address anything just as a straight person would. When the kids noticed my ring, I explained I was engaged and they were excited. When they asked "what is his name was" I said "Her name is ___" Most just said cool, and the one who asked What does that mean your marrying a girl, I said yes. Then we just moved on. Once we we married, I would say, "My wife and I did ..." When the kids ask about my weekend. As nervous as I still was, I portrayed a calm easiness to the conversations just like any straight teacher would when asked about her weekend, so they kids just felt it was not a big deal. I have been lucky not to have had any push back from my school, students, or parents but I did decide at the beginning that I was not going to hide and we would deal with what would come. Everyone is at a different point in their journey, so the choice is personal, but I advocate for living your life and not hiding yourself. You don't have to put up rainbow flags and make announcements, but if asked, you answer your truth because it is amazing and nothing to hide.

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I’m in a state that leaves a lot to be desired in terms of acceptance for the LGBT community. With that, I’ve been extremely lucky working with amazing people who see through the “noise” and love me for me. I’ve never been asked any direct questions, but I have mentioned my late partner on more than one occasion. Is there anyone on your staff who loves you for you? Maybe reach out to them and share your good news as well as your frustration with keeping the real you hidden. Best of luck to you and your soon-to-be wife 💕💕

I’ve been out to colleagues and admin, but I never acknowledged my sexuality to students, until this last semester. One of my non-binary kids asked me, “How are we supposed to live our authentic lives, as you tell us, if you don’t? Isn’t that kind of hypocritical?” They we’re right. I was advocating one thing and living another. Now, I am not saying that you should hire a parade and throw glitter, but, if you feel a need to come out, start small with a trusted friend. If you’re anything like me, they already know.

We have to live authentic. We have to have the support of our union.

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I have to tell my parents that I got engaged this weekend. They haven’t been taking the coming out well over the last year (i.e have isolated themselves from their community, screaming and crying when I’m on the phone with mom, dad hasn’t spoken to me since July). I’m incredibly nervous about this conversation. Going to have it in about two hours. Any words of advice?

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A relative is raising a teenage son with her ex-husband. They have joint physical custody. The ex-husband has re-married. When the son is in his care, he often leaves the son at home in California with his (new) wife when he travels for work (which is often). The relative wants her ex-husband to leave their son in her care when he travels out of town but the ex-husband disagrees. The relative wants to know her chances of prevailing if she were to appear in court on this issue. Thoughts? Thanks!

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Been seeing a guy for a few months now and I can’t stop myself from getting in my head. I’ve never been in a solid relationship before like this and I’m afraid I’m going to mess it up. We’re together most nights and some nights I need a night off or some space, but when I don’t hear from him I get paranoid that I did something.
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As it’s been getting colder I’ve been dabbling in soups. This is a brie and mushroom soup paired with balsamic onion & mushroom toast. It was super tasty and really hit the spot. It can also be used in place of cream of mushroom from a can in recipes if you’re looking for a different taste.

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Additional Posts in LGBT Educators

Can I brag about something I’m really proud of?

This summer there was a sale on First Book for LGBT books, so I decided I was going to create a collection of titles that students at my school could borrow. Every book in the white bookshelf of the attached picture is LGBT, ready and waiting for the student that might need it.

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Today is national coming out day.

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I hope everyone is taking care of themselves and their loved ones.

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Have you felt the need to come out to show advocacy and diversity in your classroom? Even if you’re totally comfortable in your personal life, do you feel this need to be out and be an ally?

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Hi all! I’m new to Fishbowl and happy to find this group! I’ve been on a mission to make my school a more inclusive place. Anyone have experience with “alliance” groups at the elementary level?

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Now that SCOTUS has provided LGBT+ employees with Title VII protections from discrimination, do you think that will make it easier to be an LGBT+ educator?

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Hi All! My colleague and I are strong LGBTQ+ allies and with our principals support we are looking to start a GSA. We are in an elementary school and not really sure where to start. Any ideas?

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Hi. I’m new to Fishbowl, and to this particular bowl as well. If you are out to your students, how did they take your coming out? How did it go over with parents? This question is especially directed to those in “red states”.

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So, last year, our GSA died of its own weight. This year, in addition to everything else I’m doing, I’ve been approached by a number of students to resurrect it. I am thrilled.

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I was in the copy room one morning and a fellow teacher came up to me and whispered that her friend saw me on Grindr. I played it cool and she said "we have lives outside of school" but it was weird.

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This past week I got an envelope hand delivered to me by a student I do not teach. In it was a trans pin she had bought for me, as well as a drawing and a letter of thanks.

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How are you supported (or not) in your school as an LGBT person?

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My partner is a cancer survivor, and I brought her in to talk to my kids. I had her stay for one of our GSA meetings and did something I have never done before--I answered questions about our journey together. It felt very liberating, but still scary.

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Last year I told my class about my partner and it was the best decision ever made. My admins, students, and parents were supportive and had no affect at all. I can’t wait to share my loved ones each year and how I joined a Varsity Gay League Kickball team as well. I even have parents interested in creating a team. So thankful for the community I teach in❤️

likeuplifting

I just had a student come to me to explain she just came out to her mother and her mother took it horribly. She is talking about sending her away to boarding school. How should I go about addressing.

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I teach 4th and 5th grade.
I am not out to my students and families.
I am a very loved and "popular" teacher at school for my ability to build relationships and engage.

I am worried that coming out or rather being outed may affect my ability to build relationships because parents who have issues will inevitably relay certain messages to their children.


Coming out in an elementary setting is different from a middle or high school setting I feel. Anyone else?

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Wondering: how many of us have wanted to be more explicit in educating about LGBT+ issues, development, history (etc.) But couldn't due to a significant barrier? If this is you what was the barrier?

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