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?

I feel like gay men especially are constantly discriminated against in the workplace. I have been turned down for a promotion, yet again, in favor of a married heterosexual with kids. This has been the story of my career. Have superior experience - stellar reviews - people fighting to get on to my team because our team is great and I treat everyone well. This is so frustrating. Again and again, it’s a culture of parents helping other parents. No gays in upper level mgmt in our office.

So… 3.5 year relationship came crashing in Jan due to covid depression, work burn out, lockdown etc. We have stayed in contact and recently he has come around to apologizing and considering getting back together. However he also revealed he started seeing someone casually 4 weeks ago and technically is cheating on her by meeting me for coffee and to discuss this. I’m upset that he’s dating others but shouldn’t be right? I mean, I did the same. Still hurts though. And I told him to sort that out

My wife often calls me by 5:45/6 to ask where I am if I’m not headed home yet. Sometimes she’s stressed with kids/dogs/dinner and really wants me home. This really throws off my concentration because it makes me feel rushed. Like many practices sometimes I’m out at 5:30, other times it’s much later. Just depends and is unpredictable. Any advice on how to approach this?

People who have cheated in their previous relationships, how did you come to realize the reason behind your behavior? A close friend confided in me that she has cheated in all her previous relationships and struggles to understand the reasoning behind it. She feels a lot of shame and is trying to understand why she does what she does.I have suggested therapy but she is not ready yet. How did you folks arrive at the root cause behind your behavior? Advice? Book suggestions that I can pass along?

Mid 40sF, recently separated, seeking intelligent convo. For the love of god, do not be dishonest. I don’t even care if you’re married and lonely. I get that. Looking for same age range.

It’s my birthday in a few minutes. 2021 has been a terrible year for me. My marriage ended. It wasn’t a bad end though. We are still close, just not romantic partners anymore. The very first dog I ever had died and I couldn’t go see her because of the quarantine. I didn’t get a promotion that I more than deserved. I don’t think I get paid well. Most of my friends moved out of the city and I’m having to meet new people at 32. I love my job but it’s incredibly stressful. I’m terribly lonely.

TLDR: Getting over your ex of 2.5 years ghosting you after they said they wanted to reconnect.

I was dating someone for about 2.5 years and then we broke up because of COVID and the long distance was making it too difficult to continue. The break up must’ve been like a 4-5 minute FaceTime because I was very distraught. After we broke up, she started seeing someone else but I was heartbroken and it’s taken me over a year to really get over everything and process those feelings. (Cont.)

Why do we always tell people “Be the best version of yourself before starting a relationship?”
I feel this is wrong…first, if you’re someone who constantly wants to be better, this doesn’t work. Also, what happens when you’re going through things and you’re not the best version? What happens is…the going gets tough and then one person leaves the other.

So we will be shut down for a while. What are some things you will send home or do for Preschoolers during the sit down?

It’s week 5 for me of the breakup and even though I had a full and fun weekend with friends and people I love, I woke up today so so sad because I wanted to text my ex. I just feel overall so defeated and exhausted from sadness and unmotivated at work :(

Recommendations on an exceptional career coach who can help my husband? He works with his brother at a startup his brother founded (my husband is in-house counsel) but often finds himself belittled by his brother, cut out of conference calls and emails and generally feeling like he has no skills. He's an ivy league graduate and went to a great law school but for many reasons cannot leave this job right now. Looking for someone to help w/his confidence level and ways to approach his brother. TIA!

2 days ago i told the resp on the phone i had a divorce petition to mail him and needed his address. He said he would call me back with the address because he was driving, just moved to a new place, and didn't have it memorized. He never gave it to me but i found it anyway and mailed it certified. Today i found out that he cleared out their bank account. Can i do an emergency hearing to get that money back? He does not physically have the petition yet but i definitely told him it was coming.

I'm a US citizen living abroad I applied almost 11 months ago for my spouse. Married for years, kid. I wait and wait. It seems this will take 2 years, maybe more. I feel trapped. On one side the US system demands I work and domicile in US, the other side says families should be prioritized to stay together. My spouse has had enough of the process. I feel trapped abroad and locked in a dysfunctional system. We're just in limbo, it's depressing

Girlfriend of 3 years cheated on me right before we were supposed to leave the state and move in together. We broke up about 4 months ago. I couldn’t demonize her, so I’m still struggling with processing it and idk what to do. I’ve been looking into therapy, but I can only do online which leaves me hesitant. Any advice would be appreciated.

I’m happy with my relationship but the thing is I never really have a spark with the girl. Can someone relate or explain? I’m not sure if I should keep doing this. Maybe I’m just in an comfort zone now?

Going into busy season as a "step" mom of elementary age kid. Just found out today that we are getting full custody. Husband works and is in school... Advice please!

Have you ever been or currently in a relationship with someone of who’s political beliefs conflict with your own?

Not dealing with this currently have dealt with it in the past. My parents started out opposites but now believe similarly. I’m wondering if it is possible in this day and age.

Just need to vent.

My SO was going through some issues over a year ago and decided to use the counselor services provided through her workplace. She mentioned that her plan only covered some sessions so she was trying to figure how she could continue counseling. That was that.

We've been trying to better our savings now that we have a baby and I've been trying to figure out our expenses for months now but I'm always off. I finally realized a few months ago that she continued counseling. More..

I started a design job, and I was wondering if anyone could send me the steps and procedures that we follow for concrete and steel design. I appreciate any help you can give.

What are you praying for in this season?

Does anyone out there agree that so much of the violence we are seeing in schools and society is a spiritual problem and not necessarily a political one? I’m not opposed to gun reform, but I think as long as a human being desires to hurt others, keeping people safe will be very difficult.

I am scheduled to fly from NYC to Mumbai via Paris next Wednesday (Jan 5) for a ~10 day trip. Have any of you, your family, friends, etc. flown a similar route (I.e. from US to India via Europe) in the past week? If so, what is the arrival process (Covid test, quarantine requirements, etc.)? I’ve had all recommended vaccine shots and I’m only in Paris for a 2 hour layover (not leaving the airport). Any information on this would be greatly appreciated!

Need referal for pwc, infosys, e&y, kpmg, Accenture, wipro
Guys pls help 🙏

Does the sf office have lockers?

30th birthday present watch accessory ideas.

A lot of knowledge on here so asking for some help. It’s my partner’s birthday and I’ve no idea what to buy him. He’s a watch fanatic - Pateks (sports and dress), Audemars (sports and dress), Rolex (sports), Omega (sports).

I’m obviously not buying him a watch for his birthday (in his dreams!) but any idea for some good accessories? He’s already got a PP watch winder, and has bought multiple nice straps for the dress watches. I’m completely lost.

Anyone interested for the flat near kadubeesanahalli (Bangalore)?? If yes, Dm me

Trying to get rid of this casino addiction.. every time I drink,m or I’m bored... thoughts of blackjack stream in

Today I joined the JPMC mumbai and got the offer from UBS Pune, both are providing the same package.
I want to work in pune, what should I do?
Leave the JPMC and join UBS

Anyone in NTT Data UK? Could you share your thoughts on the Data and analytics vertical ? How is their consulting model ? Read in a lot of bowls that they do staff augmentation. Is this true ?

I saw this and thought I'd share. What do you say? “Diversity hiring does not mean a lower bar for diverse candidates. They still need to interview and pass the hiring bar. Therefore, diversity hiring is not unfair to other non-diverse applicants."

Hi fishes

Could someone help me understand if my package is 14.5 LPA ,how much I'll get in hand roughly

Hello Guys i am a Developer/Cyber Security Expert from Ahmedabad with 14 years of experience. I am currently looking for a job. Please let me know if someone can help me.

Today is national coming out day.

What's been your journey as an LGBT professional?

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

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?

Being openly gay has been the best gift I give my students. All the kids-- even the ones I don't teach-- know they can come to my room and just BE THEMSELVES for a minute or two. 🤠🤡😎👽❤️

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?

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.

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?

Is anyone running a GSA or SAGA club virtually? How?

How's Pride month treating everyone this year?

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”.

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?

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.

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?

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❤️

How do you address students saying “that’s gay” in class?

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.