Forums

Gay Teachers - trouble at work

Page:   1 2
 
 

phil.evans777
 
Joined in 2007
September 30, 2007, 12:05

Hey guys. I am a teacher and have had troubles in the private school system. Infact I lost my job, and they lied about the reason why. I was in my first year, and they didn’t renew my contract. Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission are investigating it at the moment, and I can provide a few details or discuss privatly with anyone who might benefit.


What I will say at the moment is that matters look very good for me and for us as a group of people who just want to get on with things, and excel in our chosen professional fields without matters of sexual preference being a big deal, or really anyone elses business.


I have a strong case, and here is to hoping that this could be revolutionary for Gays and Lesbians in the private sector of Education. There have been cases in the past that have helped matters progress for the Catholic School system. I hope that this case will move things forward for other private christian schools.


More details upon request. I would prefer, at least until there is conciliation that you feel free to ask questions and that I answer where I can. After the matter is closed, it is open forum.


But try me.. I really want others to know there is support and others who understand.



rural_smith
 
Joined in 2007
September 30, 2007, 17:19

Phil


I will await the enxt instalment with great interest! I to havce taught in the Independant Christian school system….hmmm.


Now at a Catholic school….


I am all ears.


RS



phil.evans777
 
Joined in 2007
October 4, 2007, 16:56

Phil


I will await the enxt instalment with great interest!


RS


Thanks mate. I’m happy to answer any questions, but until the case is finalised, I’ll just answer any questions. If I can’t on the forum, then I can private messege you.


So you obviously have a story or two to tell about your expereince in the Independant Christian sector…. ???



rural_smith
 
Joined in 2007
October 6, 2007, 09:01

Phil,


Yeah my first gig was at a small independant Christian school. I certainly was not harassed over sexuality issues; however, the jokes (some of which are quite fiunny), comments and statements made in staffrooms made me think twice about the level of true Christianity in this particular school. Some of the worst comments were by senior teachers/administrators?


Now l am at a school of about 870 kids in the Catholic system, and l find it a lot more accepting etc. I honestly don’t know how Admin would react if they found out though? Not sure.


But to be honest, when one is interviewed for a position at certain smaller Catholic schools, l do know of DP’s (males) who structure questions so as to illicit an indication of a person’s sexual preference. Partic, for example, a young male art/drama teacher who comes across as a little ‘camp’. Reason being – small country school. Would cause scandal. Best for everyone invloved if it just doesn’t happen. hmmm.


I am aware of an openly gay male teacher at Brighton Grammar School. Every parent, student and teacher knows it…? So it is possible to exist in that position. BGS is an ‘elite’ school – with Anglican ties (from memory).

He would be a good person to chat with!!


All the best


RS



Anthony Venn-Brown
 
Joined in 2005
October 8, 2007, 12:11

it will take individuals to stand up and be courageous. For that to happen the person needs to be extremely resolved in themselves or people will pick up any fear or doubt. We must also be people who have let go of the past. If there is any unforgiveness, anger or resentment it will be triggered by the situation and come out as an attack on others……then no one will listen to the truth we have discovered.


I recognise that not everyone is called to do this groundbreaking work but those who are we will support in any way we can……and create a new paradigm for future generations.



phil.evans777
 
Joined in 2007
October 8, 2007, 13:15

People are called to all kinds of things.


It would take great courage to stand up, but you also have to be prepared to loose everything. If you stand up and you lose, and unfortunately in the independant system, the law does not protect our rights if we are openly gay. It can somewhat protect us if we say nothing.


I find a great deal of power at my school in saying nothing. Most people know, one of the year 12 students gave me some tickets to a premier screening of a movie through our drama teacher. She said to her, “give these to Mr Evans, maybe he could go with his boyfriend”. So sweet. I couldn’t go in the end, we had to attend a wedding. But I haven’t opened my mouth, I don’t even teach year 11 or 12. Kids aren’t stupid. And they are a generation where there will be lots of change. They are unafraid.


I’m not going to drive 30 minutes to the next major shopping centre so that Michael and I can do our groceries, so people are going to see us doing our weekly shop, buying wine, going out for dinner, movies what ever.


Until the law changes we are a bit stuck, but one day soon…



Craig_Maynard
 
Joined in 2007
October 9, 2007, 01:26

People are called to all kinds of things.


It would take great courage to stand up, but you also have to be prepared to loose everything. If you stand up and you loose, and unfortunately in the independant system, the law does not protect our rights if we are openly gay. It can somewhat protect us if we say nothing.


I find a great deal of power at my school in saying nothing. Most people know, one of the year 12 students gave me some tickets to a premier screening of a movie through our drama teacher. She said to her, “give these to Mr Evans, maybe he could go with his boyfriend”. So sweet. I couldn’t go in the end, we had to attend a wedding. But I haven’t opened my mouth, I don’t even teach year 11 or 12. Kids aren’t stupid. And they are a generation where there will be lots of change. They are unafraid.


I’m not going to drive 30 minutes to the next major shopping centre so that Michael and I can do our groceries, so people are going to see us doing our weekly shop, buying wine, going out for dinner, movies what ever.


Until the law changes we are a bit stuck, but one day soon…


It’s the little things that makes the big changes 😀 . We all keep doing this, eventually the system will buckle and crash. Its just a matter of time. Enjoy every moment and savour all your days with your other half (Michael) and things will work itself out. I have that same way of thinking… I keep my mouth shut 😯 and they will work things out their way. We are made for such a time as these. There’s nothing to hide.



phil.evans777
 
Joined in 2007
November 12, 2007, 16:20

Well, the school I used to work at have hidden behind the exemption that I am not from their denomination. They wrote their reports and said I am angry with the church organisation. Which is a lie. They state that I wasn’t remployed as someone more qualified who was a member of their church came along. This person happens to be the step daughter of the principal and after a year wants to go part time.


They may have won. I’m not sure, waiting to hear back from my Barrister. I’m nervous. They did admit to prying into my personal life, but deny doing anything about it. As if. It’s unheard of for someone to not have their contract renewed especially when they are doing a good job.


As for the non-member thing, after searching for someone to fill a part time position, they hired another non-member but did not consider me. This choice has cost them as it turns out from all reports that that particular teacher has done a half assed job and taken a lot of time off.


So I’m ticked off right now!


November 12, 2007, 21:26

Hi Phil.


Sorry to hear about the struggles you are having. I teach in a state school and don’t even feel comfortable in being out at work. I can’t imagine what it would be like in a private school. I hope that things are resolved to your satisfaction. My contract is up at the end of the year so understand what you are going through. Teachers these days are so poorly treated.


I look forward to hearing from you as to how it all works out.


Cheers and keep on smiling.



Anthony Venn-Brown
 
Joined in 2005
November 12, 2007, 23:07

understandly ticked off Phill. I remember how i felt when I was sacked from a sales job because I was gay. its a blow to your sense of self when you know that professionally you have performed at a satisfactory level……probably even better than some of your heterosexual colleagues…….the only difference it seems is not even your morality……but your orientation.


Page:   1 2
 
WP Forum Server by ForumPress | LucidCrew
Version: 99.9; Page loaded in: 0.073 seconds.