That Butch PE Teacher
I’ve been spending some time reflecting on my school life throughout the years. I readily admit to finding life in the closet in a middle-class girl’s school a bit of a trial, and so I must express some sympathy for those still there – and I don’t mean the pupils.Parents, I think, are of the opinion that gay teachers don’t exist, but I know for sure they do. Being a lesbian teacher is something I can’t imagine myself doing – those who do it have my utmost respect.
The more ‘obvious’ among us will experience rumours. I charge you to find a school, which doesn’t have rumours about the butch, short-haired sports teacher. I know mine did, I know they were true.
Even those who don’t ooze homo must surely not have an easy time. Schools are full of nosey little pupils wanting to know all about the single teacher’s ‘boyfriend’. If it’s your career – there is not always an end in sight.
Teaching is not an easy career. You face a room of obnoxious little madams who will no doubt spread rumours about you and generally be as disruptive and upsetting as possible. If you are gay you face the possibility of unfounded allegations being tackled by a homophobic board of governors who may have somewhat outdated views. Like any job, you face work colleagues who may not be accepting, but pupils may be even less so – particularly if you give them detention.
Teaching is also one of the most rewarding careers. All those who do it have my kudos – I know it isn’t easy. I believe that LGBT teachers are underrepresented in an education system that seems to want to hide anything that might bring disrepute on a school.
Oh, and don’t worry if you think I’m being one sided, Christian Music TV has something to say on the matter too!
Posted by straighttalker05 @ 10:37 PM::
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4 Comments:
My P.E teacher was a lesbian, its like its written in the p.e bible that you cant be a P.E teacher unless your shagging someone of the same sex.
On the other hand, Im gay and also a teacher (that was until I became carer to my ma) When I was teaching I chose to keep my sexuality to myself because any backlashes.
I find it interesting to hear the gen from the angle of two gay teachers who aren't out.
Theoretically if I was one of your gay pupils, you wouldn't feel you could offer me any support.
It's sad that schools are so repressive for pupils and staff!
It would appear that the 'rumours' about your PE teacher were true - do you think she got a better or worse deal teaching in an all girls school? Would it be different to say a co-ed or all boys?
I guess that teacher would never really have been able to support you anyway, think of the possible runours that could have been sparked if she had. Definately repressive
Anonymous: It's difficult for me to say whether it would be more of less difficult in a different school. To a certain extent it depends on the school dynamic among other factors.
I don't think she gets a totally raw deal. She is an excellent teacher, and has been promoted etc.
I think it's sad that she was never able to support me, because I feel I could have spoken well to her. She was my form teacher for a year, and yet despite a number of knowing glances we never acknowledged it.
And rumours of that sort can spread regardless of the teacher's sexuality. Any teacher is at risk if they misjudge a gossipy pupil.
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