Today, a student came out to me, saying that she thinks she's gay. This has happened several times since I have taught here, which made me wonder why they were comfortable telling me. Turns out being a single, childless woman of my age screams "lesbian" to this particular community. I'm not. FML
phalangesenfuego tells us more.
OP here. Just to clarify, I'm not offended that people mistake me for a lesbian. What bothered me was the assumption was made based on what I feel are stereotypes of what a lesbian should be (single and childless). I do support ALL my students with whatever they come to me with, be it family issues, bullying problems, etc, and I feel privileged they feel comfortable enough to come to me with these things they are struggling with. And thank you for all the positive comments. Sometimes teaching is a thankless job, and positive support is few and far between.
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Fall
Dead leaves, the first cold of the season and an umbrella flipped inside out: fall, the season of grace.
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Top comments
alexjoseph5575 18
Lesbehonest, this is a great chance to give advice to the next generation!
Seabass_Chan 33
Doesn't sound like you're childless to me. Seems like you've acted as a mother to several of these students who felt more comfortable talking to you than their own families. Good on you, OP! Teens and young adults need more understanding and less being told what is and isn't right. Keep it up!
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Comments (71)
writerchic85 26
I'm single, childless, and work in a male dominated career. Guess I might as well buzz my hair and start dressing in big sweatshirts.
Mental_Mouse 3
It's annoying that people make that assumption, but it's also an opportunity to help people. On the other hand, you also need to watch out for burnout... back when I was in college, I was the one people told all their troubles and strangenesses to, apparently because I would listen without telling them TMI, and didn't repeat the stories to others. Flattering in some ways, but it definitely got wearying over time.
cats54321 19
Jeez can't people be free to live their lives how they want without people making assumptions
Genos115 15
Comment moderated for rule-breaking.
Gay people are ******* assholes
Archangel12 9
No sir, that is you
TallMist 32
Hey, at least your students feel like they can trust you! That's a good thing! Even if it's for the wrong reasons.