Out to Students

out to students
by: Weavre (30/F/Memphis, Tennessee, USA) 1/26/00 7:15 am EST

I was "out" teaching college students, not minors, so the issues are different--but I know that I am most comfortable when I'm honest, and that I feel it's important that kids and adults alike see that "normal," "likable," and "gay/lesbian" can all apply to the same person. How wonderful if, a few years from now, one of your students is sitting in a college dorm room, hears gossip that a friend has come out, and responds simply, "Yeah, so what? My high school English teacher was gay--it's no big deal."

As to the close friend who's a born-again Christian . . . not speaking for you, of course, but I prefer to be able to trust my close friends to love and support me as I am. If she's truly a friend, not coming out denies her the opportunity to do that, to express her real friendship for you. If she finds out from someone else, she might have real reason to feel betrayed by your lack of faith in her. If she finds out and breaks contact . . . what was she really offering and calling "friendship" before, that couldn't survive knowing who you really are?

Just a couple thoughts . . .

Many dreams and many blessings,
Weavre

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