The Importance of an Out Teacher for LGBTQ Youth
Having an out teacher can significantly affect the school experience for LGBTQ students, yet there are few protections for queer teachers brave enough to be out
“Well, they can’t fire me now.”
That was my first thought upon being selected as the 2015 National Teacher of the Year. After 15 years as an educator, it wasn’t until I received this public recognition that I finally felt safe to do the work that I’ve felt called to do.
My career longevity was never something I could count on. Because I’m from the 13th congressional district in the Texas Panhandle, identified by the Cook Political Report as the reddest in the country, my job wasn’t guaranteed to me if someone took issue with me being openly gay. In fact, my home state is one of 28 that will not protect your right to work if you are gay or transgender.
And if you’re one of 10 million K-12 public school students in Texas and seven other states, so-called no promo homo laws restrict your learning about health for gay or transgender youth. These laws have a chilling effect on curriculum beyond health class, causing teachers — a profession known for rule-following — to avoid discussion, history, or literature that could possibly be seen as violating the laws. Beyond the school, books with LGBTQ characters or themes are often the most challenged books in schools, according to the National Coalition Against Censorship.
The issue goes beyond Texas. The 2018 national Harris Poll data shows a sizable amount of people (31%) are “somewhat or very uncomfortable” with the idea of discovering a family member is gay or in having their children attend schools where they might be taught by an LGBTQ teacher. Almost 40% said they would be uncomfortable with their child learning an LGBTQ history lesson.
Anecdotal stories from LGBTQ friends in blue states reflect a need for self-protection. After Education Secretary Betsy DeVos rolled back Title IX protections for transgender youth, and with the Justice Department embroiled in a fight against Title VII job protections of gender identity, LGBTQ rights are becoming increasingly vulnerable. The Equality Act, which would codify…
