During his elementary school’s anti bullying week “Mr. R’ thought it would be a good idea to tell his students that he was gay as an example to discourage homophobia, after getting approval and support from his boss Mr.R went forward with his lesson on bullying. Mr. R started his lesson by asking his students if any of them had ever heard the word “gay” being used as an insult. Unfortunately many of them had and almost as many admitted to thinking that being gay was a bad thing, that is when Mr. R told his students that he is gay.
After a few basic questions the children all accepted Mr.R for his lifestyle and went about their studies as usual, however a week later Mr. R received a letter on his desk that made his heart leap with joy:
“Dear Mr R
Even though you’re gay, I will always treat you the same way as I do now. I still think about you the same way as I used to. You’re a great teacher and these are just some of the word’s (sic) that I would describe you as: great, amazing, fantastic, brilliant, awesome and brave. The reason why I say brave is because you shared a personal secret which was very brave. You don’t have to feel scared because I know that everyone in the class feels the same way as I do.
From A x x
PS. We are all proud of you”
Mr. R says that of all the letters he has ever gotten this one letter is one that he will keep close to his heart forever. When he finally went to his student to thank her and talk to her about the letter she simply shrugged and said ‘It’s just your life.’