I think other’s are in a better position to answer this, I kinda feel like saying be Gay and proud though. 🙂 You have to tell people in your timing, if you are not ready then don’t feel pressured. I guess because of the work you presented was on your struggle, even though you didn’t state what struggle, the teacher was bound to ask, would of been more sensitive of them if they asked in private though, that way as a teacher he has a better understanding of your work. As I said others are in a better position to answer this, the only thing I can think of is to say in this situation is “your artwork is about a personal struggle” and that’s all.

I think this is the perfect place to ask your question, this is the place for support and love. I am wondering if maybe a different title to the post would get more attention, ” teacher asked about my being gay through artwork” or something. Just a thought 🙂

Sounds like your work was excellent and you should be proud and confident in it.

Hi Cal

I agree with Mother Hen in terms of not being pressured if you don’t feel like divulging personal information. You could always answer with something that puts it back to the other like: “This is a very personal matter and something I’m not ready to discuss”. OR, “You’ve asked a very personal question within hearing distance of others and I’m not comfortable with that.” ….OR ..”this is not the time or place.”.. ,OR, “It’s interesting that you’ve asked me that… Would it matter if I was gay?”, OR, “What does it mean for you to ask me that question?”

The other thing to consider is that it sounds like your work was bound to raise questions so could it be possible that part of you wanted that in some form as an opportunity to bring this part of you out in the open?? Now I’m not suggesting that you wanted the art teacher’s particular approach but that maybe your choice of work topic was a way of subtly introducing this part of you. Any thoughts about that? And if this is true, what responses were you hoping to receive from others and how might you respond in future to other comments or questions?

Blessings,

Ann Maree

People often express themselves in their artwork, for some people that could be easier than actually speaking the words to someone, the art speaks for them. I think Ann Maree has asked some excellent thought provoking questions for you Cal.

The artwork is more about struggle than gay struggle. It’s something I deliberately did so as to make the work identifiable for anyone viewing it, straight or gay. No one else who’s looked at the work was able to make that conclusion, so it threw me when my lecturer asked. The responses you have all come up with are really helpful though.

Hi Cal87,

I too did Art at school through to Year 12 and often had my teachers wondering what I was trying to say through my pieces, both paintings and ceramic sculptures. :~

You might not have intentionally meant to show this side of yourself but your inner thoughts and passions often are revealed anyway! I would love to see your art piece myself to appreciate what you presented.

Beside that point this teacher may have seen this aspect through their own observations anyway and took the opportunity with your artwork to say something BUT some sensitivity would have been good! :X

It sounds like your art is important to you and I hope this doesn’t make your class uncomfortable.

Do you feel this teacher is approachable? Ann Maree’s question suggestions were really good. Maybe you could speak to someone in your school wellbeing team,(student support) if you feel there is someone who may be ok, and mention this interaction with your art teacher. It might help to have another staff member who could speak to them for you or even with you? Do you feel your school is lgbt supportive?

One thing for sure, (that has already been said by others on the forum) you need to be ready to talk about your sexuality when you feel ok to do so.

Hope this helps a bit

Michelle 🙂