In 2014, after being named Teacher of the Year, my supervisor told me if I said I was gay in public I would be "shot in the head."

I was told I would be fired if I did not bring her all of my private mail from home to read. (more)

People are asking me what I did with my anger. I used it to build. I went to @NNSTOY-we surveyed Teachers of the Year to find what books they use to teach equity. 300 books, by grade level, vetted by the best.

Powerful stuff.

https://www.nnstoy.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/NNSTOY-Social-Justice-Book-List.pdf

For an even happier ending...

Mike and I were married soon after I was told I would be fired if I said I was gay in public.

The press showed up, the paper carried 45 pictures, we were married on live tv.

I wonder who tipped off the press?

https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2014/05/gay_marriage_in_oregon_oregons.html

Hell just froze over-a Tuesday addition:

My district published an apology for their past LGBTQ discrimination and to me directly.

The power of the Supreme Court and a bunch of angry tweeters. Thank You. I never expected to get this apology. This one is on you.
Love to you all.

Only on the things I knew were going to get them in a whole bunch of trouble. I put my letters in the outgoing mail, said, "here they are" and she took them out of the district outgoing mail. Yeah. I complied. One of the letters was to Hillary Clinton.

Go ahead an open that.

A few weeks later we got married and the press showed up. The local paper had 45 pictures on their website. We were married on live tv so much press showed.

My vows broke the district's rule that I could not speak w/out permission. They were FURIOUS. https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2014/05/gay_marriage_in_oregon_oregons.html

I don't know your daughter, but I was thinking of her when I stood up. :0) My best.

I invite teachers to also seek out @Ed_CivilRights, I am one of their Leading Educator Ambassadors for Equity. All they do is fight for the civil rights of students around the country. You should give them a follow and a shout out!

Cheers! Thank you very much!!