An update on this thread (the poll to heterosexual parents)

[dsc]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2813143

I wanted to cross post this thread to update you on the poll and what I am deciding. Thanks everyone for their input.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=221&topic_id=64704&mesg_id=64704

Thanks again.

[MethuenProgressive]

1. "between a teacher your child knows is gay and one who says he or she is gay?"

I couldn't figure out the question.

[dsc]

3. I mean

A teacher who actually comes out, vs a teacher who is assumed, for valid reasons (single, faculty advisor for gay straight alliance, etc) to be gay.

[LWolf]

2. It's too late to vote,

but I would have voted no.

I don't think it is necessarily safe to go by my vote, though. I am a single (divorced) hetero teacher, and parents are sometimes disturbed by the fact that I'm not married.

Especially since I don't wear makeup, color my hair, or wear dresses.

[davsand]

4. I missed that when it was active still. I'm sorry I did.

I can't speak for all parents, but I will tell you that I'd have a lot of respect for any teacher that was willing to pin on a target to provide an example to the kids they are charged with teaching.

I know you understand this, dsc, but a lot of people don't:

With kids you have GOT to walk the walk. It isn't about lip service to ANYTHING it is about living it and believing it. If you want to teach kids that they need to accept and love themselves for who they are, then you better be ready to lead the way.

I can TELL my daughter that lying is wrong but I undermine myself completely if I tell her to lie about her age to get her into a buffet or a movie cheaper.

I can TELL my kid stealing is wrong, but I make a mockery of that if I pocket the $10 too much in change the clerk gives me at the gas station.

I can TELL my kid that the differences in our world are what makes it sweet but I completely neutralize that when she hears me use sexist or racist terminology.

dsc, I will tell you that I know a man who works for a national youth organization, and he is afraid to come out. He says he will face losing his career if anyone knows he's gay because people are SO freaked out and f*cked up in how they think about gay people. I hope he's wrong, but I also know there are people out there that will try and prove him right.

Brightest blessings to you in your attempt to truly teach our kids. I love you for doing it.



Laura

[dsc]

5. I have broached coming out to the students with my assistant principal

and he was supportive. I am leaning toward next year to give the club a chance to grow in strength without side issues. I will say that my old district would have been a lot different.