In fact, I have been out of the closet in some form or another since 1984.   This year, however, I have made a commitment to open my last closet.  I am coming out at school, where I work.

 

This might not seem like a big deal, except I’m a high school teacher.  I’m very nervous.  But I’m gonna do it.  If any student, teacher, or parent asks “are you married?” my answer will be, “I’ve been with my partner for fifteen years, but we can’t marry because the United States doesn’t recognize same sex marriage.”

 

 

  The next obvious question that might come up is, “are you nuts?”  I have usually avoided the subject of my home life when asked by students, even made stuff up.  No more.  Hiding my sexuality and my relationship with Charlie has always been a burden that held me back.  Any time I have discussed these things, I have been liberated.  As a teacher, I value honesty above all, and I can’t be honest when I side-step my home life.

 

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