we have some teachers on here. I worked as a teacher but do not now… and didnt have to be in the closet for much of it…

yes welcome Ruralsmith.

there was a time when we were alone in this and feeling very isolated. due the net and groups like F2B this is no longer the case. Iain is currenlty teaching and hasn’t been posting for some time……i’ll let him know you’ve popped in……so he can say hi.

hope to hear more from you and about your situation to see what support, resources or help we can give you.

Hey Mr Smith!

I have a bit of a sad story in the private system too, but I’m finding that in the Catholic system, it is a lot better for me. I’m sure the Catholic Schools Office would not be impressed if I ‘outed’ myself but they are tollerant of gays and lesbians, which sounds sucky when put that way. But at least I’m not worried about my job as much as I used to be.

Last year I worked for the Seventh-day Adventist school system. They didn’t renew my contract and have never been honest about their real reasons. I know it was my sexuality because I did a really great job, even though it was my first year out of uni. I had my low ability year 10 class spread right up the scale by the end of the year, about 40% of them ranking higher than the intermediate classes, and other little yays along the way with troubled students. I never take any credit for top students, they just need me to facilitate their learning, they are a credit to themselves.

SO life in Australia is unjust. I’m sure like me, you are not trying to make a point of your private life, but it must be hard in a small town. Your experience seems a little like mine in that its not the professional path that is the problem, but what people say outside of school, that the school tries to use against you.

I know how it can place enormous pressure on you as a person. It makes you feel self conscious if you are dining in public with a companion, if you are shopping in the supermarket and having one of those little domestics over penne or spirals – lol. Its impossible to conceal who you really are. But the only advice I can give you if you wish to remain where you are in the country, is to stand tall, love who you are, and don’t bite when people fish for information. Some have attempted to befriend me in the past, but in the end they have chosen to preserve their job or win favour for themselves rather than protect me.

It is sad that we have to be ‘discrete’ at all. This is discrimination in and of itself. We should be free to be who we are in life and not be afraid of who is looking over our shoulder. It is a sad reality we face at the moment, but things are a lot better than they used to be. At least we are not being thrown in jail or given shock treatment, as many of our friends in this network may have exprienced. I have been afraid of being bashed, but never have been.

Human rights and equal opportunity commission are looking into my case, and I’ve opened a discussion on that topic if you want to have a look. Its new so maybe noone has written back yet.

Know that there are many here who can support you, if you are frustrated, discouraged or even intimidated, there are people here who will not judge when you want to rant and rave.

Phil so awesome to hear you post, its been ages……So true that we have to be discreet and shouldnt have to be. I dont mean a mad big pash in public lol lol but at least hold hands or hug or something, it would be great if we could do that, especially guys, us girls can at least get away with that but men generally cant and it sucks.

Welcome, Rural.

I am not a teacher, but I do live in a small town, and share my life with my wonderful partner, Sandra. I know how difficult this can be. Even though no one says anything, you do get looks and people whispering and you see the questions in their eyes. We try to ignore them, or just give a smile and a friendly greeting.

It can get irritating at times, but in the end how people react is their problem and not ours. I am looking forward to the fun and games when I am ordained. 😆 Also kinda dreading them.