A teacher in Rhode Island recently got named “Teacher of the Year.” He also went to the White House and took a picture with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania back in April. The picture was shared on social media and went viral. The picture shows the teacher, whose name is Nikos Giannopolous, wearing a LGBTQ pin in the picture.
Nikos stated that meeting with the president was a great time to show his support for the LGBT community. He also stated that he is happy to be a part of the LGBTQ community. He said that he felt empowered. Nikos also wore a blue jacket. He stated that his blue jacket represents his gender non-conformity.
Nikos did not mention Trump’s name. He referred to him as “The Man Behind The Desk.” He also stated that he will not think about the person behind the desk when he thinks about his visit to The White House. Nikos said that he stood up for people who face barriers due to their sexual orientation, race, culture, language and socioeconomic class.
Nikos has written a lot about his experience at the White House on his Facebook page. He stated that there was a lot of security that he had to go through. He also got to meet with Secretary of Education Betsy Devos. President Trump was the person he wanted to meet the most.
Nikos wanted to tell Trump about how there are anti-LGBQT policies that are hurting the community. He also wanted to let President Trump know that the LGBQT is constantly being hurt by politicians like himself. Additionally, Nikos stated that he was happy to meet with Trump and take a picture.
Nikos is not only an advocate for his LGBTQ students, but he is also an advocate for students with disabilities. He teaches at the Beacon Charter High School for the Arts. He also holds clothing drives for less fortunate students at his school.