MASCA LGBTQ+ AG 11/18 by Jessica Almeida

2024-11-18 21:53:20 UTC

Opportunity to network and support each other

jmalmeida4 — 2024-11-18 21:54:01 UTC

Important to have support from others with similar experiences

2024-11-18 21:54:36 UTC

They are critically important. Being gay is not always easy so it is vital that we have each other for support

An unusual one: The Old Gays! Omg, have you seen these fellas? They are hilarious

2024-11-18 21:54:38 UTC

2024-11-18 21:54:51 UTC

A sense of community. 🌈 Also, people to bounce ideas off of.

Jon Nardi

2024-11-18 21:55:29 UTC

Yes, they provide a safe space to have difficult conversations without judgment.

Andrew Mitch https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcW49IEI6KuSAhEIFV9sLEA

2024-11-18 21:55:33 UTC

jmalmeida4 — 2024-11-18 21:55:36 UTC

Fairly easy thankfully - to my knowledge I am the only openly gay staff member. I got engaged in November of my first year and when people saw my ring and asked, I was quick to say "she" proposed to me... people have been supportive. Some parents have not been as kind.

jmalmeida4 — 2024-11-18 21:56:01 UTC

Homophobic parents or students

jmalmeida4 — 2024-11-18 21:56:12 UTC

Madeline Person

Jon Nardi

2024-11-18 21:56:41 UTC

I have had everything from full support to disdain (and even warnings of “What are you going to do if a student doesn’t want to work with you?).

2024-11-18 21:56:58 UTC

I have been in six districts, all with varying levels of out, depending on my life situation at the time.

2024-11-18 21:57:40 UTC

Support and navigating today

Jon Nardi

2024-11-18 21:57:44 UTC

Support - we have an affinity group for the district, and a number of out LGBTQ+ staff members.

Hope to get

2024-11-18 21:57:58 UTC

Support and navigating our reality of today

I was caught off guard by students who asked me ~5 years ago and I had to make a quick decision whether or not to be honest. Not wanting to demonstrate shame, I chose honesty.

2024-11-18 21:58:23 UTC

Safe space

2024-11-18 21:58:45 UTC

Safe space to explore our work

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

jmalmeida4 — 2024-11-18 21:58:51 UTC

2024-11-18 21:58:53 UTC

Luckily in most of the schools where I have been out I feel very supported and treated no different than anyone else, at least to my face.

Jon Nardi

2024-11-18 21:58:53 UTC

Not supported - unchecked anti-LGBTQ+ language being used by staff and students. Really crappy parent meeting story.

Marsha P. Johnson documentary on Netflix

jmalmeida4 — 2024-11-18 21:59:10 UTC

But I'm a Cheerleader!

jmalmeida4 — 2024-11-18 21:59:20 UTC

2024-11-18 21:59:21 UTC

That students will not respect me or work with me because I am gay.

2024-11-18 21:59:27 UTC

It's been interesting. I work in a very red town. After the election, I've been very careful to not display certain things

Coming out

2024-11-18 21:59:40 UTC

When I first came out it was the hardest thing I ever did in public at my work...

Jon Nardi

2024-11-18 21:59:50 UTC

Difficulties = Feeling like the “token gay”. People not understanding my life at all. Being viewed as an outsider.

2024-11-18 22:00:03 UTC

Transparent

Every Body

Very supportive

2024-11-18 22:00:28 UTC

My work has been very progressive in this area

2024-11-18 22:00:58 UTC

Plug for my best friend!

www.musicbygiuliano.com

Parents or people from other states

2024-11-18 22:01:09 UTC

Homophobia...

Jon Nardi

2024-11-18 22:01:50 UTC

Ryan Murphy - I love the stories he is a part of creating. He has been behind so many TV shows that have given a voice to the gay community. The same applies to RuPaul spreading the message of love.

Jon Nardi

2024-11-18 22:02:27 UTC

Spoiler Alert 😔

Jon Nardi

2024-11-18 22:03:17 UTC

Adam Lambert