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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Your feelings and concerns are valid. I’m a third grade male Latino who teacher in a resort beach area. I’m fortunate enough to have the support of my district and coworkers when I told them about my partner years ago. Last year a restorative circle organically led to me sharing that I had a partner who I care about. It was the best decision and our class community became even stronger. I even had parents thanking me for sharing my personal life and how it made their child see the world even more. I don’t have a specific lesson it’s just how I build community in my class.

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I often think that people already know, but at the same time, I don't make things obvious, I guess, besides the flag on my crocs at times lol. It is a very valid feeling though. How would certain people react and what not, especially somewhat important colleagues. But at the end of the day, you gotta push thru with the same purposes and all, being there for the students.

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I feel you!!! I live in Kansas and I teach Music, so every student knows me and they love my class. I had a picture of some friends and my husband last year and kids would ask who they were. It felt so bad just saying “some friends”. But I’m so scared parents would react if I say the truth. In a small town, I always run into kids at the grocery store and they’re starting to ask if he’s my brother or cousin. I hate lying but so scared 😫

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No. I have that same fear.

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