
So my wife is a special education teacher for a public school system. Just recently while on her lunch break she was sharing our wedding photo album with a co-worker/friend of hers. A student came in with a question for her and as the student walked over, she closed the wedding album and addressed the students request. Another teacher within range said “What’s the big deal if they catch a glimpse of it? And why don’t you have a picture of your wife on your desk? You have one of the kids…”
Her response to said co-worker was “We aren’t there yet.” I am in 100% agreement with her on this one. She is completely out at work and does not hide it among her fellow teachers, administrators, etc. However, she feels there is a time and a place for everything and exposing her personal life to her students is not something she chooses to do. Sure, there are plenty of teachers who have pictures of their opposite sex husbands, wives, partners, on their desk. But that doesn’t mean she should do that as well. I think the important piece here is that she is out with her colleagues and can do so because she is in an open and accepting environment. There are many LGBT people that do not have that privilege in their work places.
In my shared opinion with my wife, her personal life should be of no business to the students she teaches. Being an LGBT educator in many areas of this country can still be risky. She teaches at an elementary school level so inviting criticism or issues from parents who don’t want their children learning about LGBT people is not on her agenda. Sure, being out and proud is something we all must do in some form or another to keep the movement moving, but using children as a way to get that message out shouldn’t be a part of it.
A Confession


This demonstrates how far we have to go for LGBT people to be accepted everywhere and for true LGBT equality. I think my wife is making the best decision for her which is not to discuss her personal life with her students.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you feel differently? I’d love to hear what you think! Please comment below or on any of my social media outlets.