Yesterday I was part of a panel at a class of future elementary school teachers.  It was a small class – less than a dozen students, all women.  The panel consisted of a 30 year-old lesbian, a gay man also about 30, a pre-transition MtF student about 20, and me.  We presented our stories and then talked about how to provide a safe and accepting environment in school for people who are different.

It went well.  I hadn't done this before and didn't know what to expect.  I had thought the class would be larger and found the intimacy of the setting somehow awkward.  The students didn't ask a lot of questions, which also made it harder for me.  I think it was good to do, but I really don't know how much of a difference it made.

I talked about what it was like to grow up as a boy while certain I was a girl.  Two years ago it would have been easier to go in there without clothes and bare my body than it would have been to open my heart like that.  And it was still difficult.  Also, I think that talking about trying to learn to be a boy bothered me.  I don't think about it often – it was a long time ago.  Because they were future teachers I didn't talk much about what happened after high school and realized later I should have completed my story to give it some resolution.

I was surprised at how much it affected me.  I am chatty and gabby and tell people about myself and my adventures all the time, but in this venue - with a small group of complete strangers – I found it unsettling.  Being by far the oldest person in the room didn't help.

I'd do it again, but now I have a little better idea of what to expect.  Perhaps I will have built up some calluses before I'm presented with another opportunity.

- Kate

I think this is a great thing you did. Having adults in place that understand these issues can greatly help out young people. I think there is a good chance that by speaking there you have stopped several children from being bullied and that is a wonderful thing.

As far as how it effected you, I think that is only normal. To be so open and honest in front of people who are neither friends nor so numerous as to attain a feeling of anonymity is a monumental task. I wish I had one tenth of the courage it took to do that....

Good for you, Kate.

Despite what the UBER conservatives would have, teachers need to have an understanding of all variants.  Part of their job is to protect the students.  Maybe you and he other got through to a couple.

And know the way you are by your own words, you had no problems talking to them.    I think it is important to speak out, so others might learn.


Hugs, Kate

Hi Kate,

Congratulations! Thank you for taking the time and making the effort!

It was hard for me too. I've been in front of some psych. majors at the local university here and I very much felt the way you did. They may not have asked many questions, however, I think it's safe to assume you made a difference for the better! Great job! Way to go!


Dawn

Exposure like this is wonderful, and you're wonderful to do it. Maybe there weren't many questions, but I'm sure you gave people something to think about. It was likely a pivotal experience for someone in the room. Sometimes the most important messages are received quietly and require a great deal of introspection afterward.

Kate!

I am so proud of you!  Thank you for standing up and telling your story.  And being the elder of the group simply demonstrated that this is not a new phenomenon.

I know it was difficult to be in the spotlight like that, but you did a positive thing for us all.  Those teachers may never encounter a trans student, but your story will be one of the things that they think of when the do encounter any student that is not in the mainstream.

Trust me, you made a big difference!

As these teachers encounter LGBT students they will influence not only those young lives, but also the rest of their class.  It will create a lasting influence that will pay back many dividends over the years.

Thank you.

-Sandy