My science teacher says she has the 'right' to call me by my 'real name'(birth name)
Quote from: xxRebeccaxx on November 18, 2011, 09:08:37 PM
my science teacher says she has the 'right' to call me by my 'real name'(birth name)
Your teacher sounds like she is transphobic, if she is aware of your trans status that is.
I would let your parents know and have them talk to the school who will talk to the teacher.
But in my opinion it sounds like your school needs to have rules that support and protect you as a transgender person
so i would definitely inform your parents on how you feel and that you want todo something about it.
Quote from: xxRebeccaxx on November 18, 2011, 09:08:37 PM
My science teacher says she has the 'right' to call me by my 'real name'(birth name)
Yeah that stinks. There definitely is no hard evidence that it is discrimination, but it sounds like it may be there.
I would first try to get 1 on 1 time with her and just explain to her that you would appreciate it if she used "this" name instead. And if it still gets you no where, then one of the first things is not to get pissed off. Its going to be very emotional if she still refuses, I feel you there. However, the trick is to stay cool and possibly try to ask more questions to understand why she refuses(if she refuse). Then you might be able to identify more if it is discrimination or not. So stay cool about it, and talk it out first. If you still get nothing out of it, then I would take it up a step higher which may be having your parents contact the school and so forth.
Hugs :)
Ok I'm a gonna shout this in big letters.
NEVER TALK always DOCUMENT.
Your teacher is transphobic and she's full of shi! Document a letter to the guidance counselor, teacher and principal and state that you would like to be addressed by the other name.
She's lying. Kids have all sorts of different names and as teachers you address them by the name they tell you. I teach Chinese Kids every weekend and half their names are like Pey Ying, Mei, Xiaou etc and they go by Rachel, Mary and Jimmy. She's being discriminating and you must document it.
Document it.
You don't have to be mean about it. Just dash off a note that says, wait just copy this:
Dear Ms. Teacher, Guidance Counselor and Principal,
I am writing to formally ask to be addressed by a different name in the classroom. Although Ms Teacher knows I prefer to be called Fabulous she has told me that it is her right to call me by given name. Is this true? If not I'd like to be referred to as X.
I would like to have someone explain to me the procedure for changing my name in the classroom.
Thanks so much for your time and consideration.
DATE IT. MAKE SURE YOU DATE IT AND SIGN IT
stupid teacher. >:( >:( >:( >:(
Is this considered discrimination
It could be. It's stupid to say the least. When I taught I called the students mr and ms so it didn't matter.
But what I - or others here - think, it's only really discrimination if some sort of authority says so. In your case that authority would be the principal of the school I would think. Every school has some set of guidelines/requirements/standards/whatever that's its run under and depending on where you are that sort of stuff may be in there. So do as suggested above and document the incidents, language and discussions and kick it upstairs. If its' not then the only other authority that can help is a court, and that's really expensive.
Quote from: mixie on November 18, 2011, 11:01:30 PM
Dear Ms. Teacher, Guidance Counselor and Principal,
I am writing to formally ask to be addressed by a different name in the classroom. Although Ms Teacher knows I prefer to be called Fabulous she has told me that it is her right to call me by given name. Is this true? If not I'd like to be referred to as X.
I would like to have someone explain to me the procedure for changing my name in the classroom.
Thanks so much for your time and consideration.
I like this!!
I don't see how she's transphobic. If she's talking to you just fine I don't think she has an irrational fear of you.
But anyways, I agree, don't make a scene, just be cool, calm and professional while bringing it to counselors, school administrators and whatnot.
Right? Yeah, you pretty much have the right to say a lot of things that common sense says you shouldn't.
having the right to say something stupid is immaterial to the reality that it's stupid.
Quote from: xxRebeccaxx on November 18, 2011, 09:08:37 PM
My science teacher says she has the 'right' to call me by my 'real name'(birth name)
Dunno about discrimination but it is rude.
Just tell her that if she has the "right" to call your birth name you have the right to not answer her unless she calls you the name you go by.
If its legal discrimination it depends on your state/country but im my eyes you are being discriminated against.
+1 to mixie, sounds like some good solid advice