Teacher from my old high school having sex change

Marie5656 · Post by **Marie5656** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 7:06 am

http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app ... /608290369

A teacher from Batavia High School, here in New York state, is having sex reassignment surgery. I graduated from that school in 1972. Batavia is a small city, and can be rather conservative.

The article I link to above is about the meeting the superintendant had with the parents last night. There were people against it, but many more, it seems were positive. The teacher has not had the surgery yet, but I am assuming he is beginning the time when he has to live as a woman.

A parent called into the radio show Rick and I listen to this morning. He said that he, personally has not problem...as the teacher has a reputation of being a good teacher. The caller said a doctor was there to speak about the surgery, and to answer questions. One parent stood up and asked "How can we be certain this guy won't turn into a pedophile." Apparently without missing a beat, the doctor responded " How can we be certain YOU won't turn into a pedophile?". The audience applauded this comment by the doctor.

It should be noted that if the guy was a pedophile, he would have shown signs of it LONG before now, and the surgery would not change a person's behavior in that way, any how!

Feedback?

Sheryl · Post by **Sheryl** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 7:16 am

I think it's great that they held the meeting with the parents to answer questions, and will be holding a meeting with the students.

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 7:52 am

What a mature and appropriate way to handle the situation.

I say "Good Luck" to the teacher for the surgery

And I'd welcome her back to the school with open arms. :-6

Marie5656 · Post by **Marie5656** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 8:05 am

cherandbuster wrote: What a mature and appropriate way to handle the situation.

I say "Good Luck" to the teacher for the surgery

And I'd welcome her back to the school with open arms. :-6

I wish more people were so open minded.

I am thinking of my brother. My niece graduated in 2004. My brother would have been one of the parents threatening to pull her out over this. There is only one other high school in Batavia, though...and it is a Catholic school.

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 8:23 am

I wish her well and hope for the best. This can be a dynamic learning experience for her students. She's tremendously brave and I admire her!

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 9:17 am

Lulu2 wrote: This can be a dynamic learning experience for her students.

Agreed.

This is how minds get expanded . . .:-6

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 10:50 am

Okay I will be the un-pc one here. I gotta think it will feel a bit hinky for the students, and faculty. I don't care what people do behind closed doors but lets keep it behind closed doors. If someone wants to hack off their wacker and become basically a different species, then I think they could do it in a more private way. No need to get everyone else involved on changing nature. If you want to become a different person go somewhere else where thay don't know you to begin with so there is no need to adjust to your ( new ) sex. In a nutshell I feel it will be unessasarily disruptive in this setting for the students and faculty.Just my opinion.

cherandbuster · Post by **cherandbuster** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 11:20 am

ArnoldLayne wrote: I have no problem with it whatsoever. The school obviously think highly enough of his/her teaching skills and so do a majority of the parents. What disgusts me is the attitude of the occassional moron who suggests it might be the first step to paedophilia. What sort of thought processes goes through these people minds in an average day ? Its frightening

Arnie Baby

Great post

My hero :-6

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 12:12 pm

YZGI...if you consider transgender surgery as a cure for an unfortunate condition and not something SHAMEFUL, then why hide it? What's the difference between curing this problem and having surgery on a cleft palate? In order to have transgender surgery, you have to be "approved" by many doctors after many hours of analysis, time spent living as the "opposite" sex, hormonal treatments, etc. It's correcting a birth defect, if you will.

Like the termination of a pregnancy, this is a health issue...both mental and physical.

Many years ago, I was assigned to manage an operating office during a work stoppage. I'd never been there...knew nobody...walked in and was hit smack in the face by a HUGE flapdoodle among the few operators who'd decided to cross the picket line.

It seems one was a young man who was well along the path to gender reassignment surgery. He'd been taking hormones and dressing as a woman and was now unwelcome in the mens' room. Naturally. BUT...a few of the women were objecting to "him" using their restroom, as well, citing "moral" grounds.

I felt so SORRY for this person! The womens' room has STALLS, for goodness' sake and "he" certainly wasn't interested in the women! My solution was to unlock a restroom on another floor and let him use it, but I felt then and still do, that I wished I could've done more.

Marie5656 · Post by **Marie5656** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 12:17 pm

YZGI wrote: Okay I will be the un-pc one here. I gotta think it will feel a bit hinky for the students, and faculty. I don't care what people do behind closed doors but lets keep it behind closed doors. If someone wants to hack off their wacker and become basically a different species, then I think they could do it in a more private way. No need to get everyone else involved on changing nature. If you want to become a different person go somewhere else where thay don't know you to begin with so there is no need to adjust to your ( new ) sex. In a nutshell I feel it will be unessasarily disruptive in this setting for the students and faculty.Just my opinion.

Unfortunatly, gender reassignment surgery is not something that can be kept hidden. We are talking about switching from a man into a woman!! There would be obvious outward signs. And what about when Sam suddenly says "Call me Samantha"?

The reasons they are meeting with parents and students is so that there will be less discomfort, and more acceptance. And why should she move away from friends and family? this is not something to be ashamed of.

On the radio this morning one of the hosts made an interesting comment in that the kids will probably end up being more accepting than many of the parents, as the younger generations are becomming more and more accepting of people's differences.

zinkyusa · Post by **zinkyusa** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 12:20 pm

Marie5656 wrote: Unfortunatly, gender reassignment surgery is not something that can be kept hidden. We are talking about switching from a man into a woman!! There would be obvious outward signs. And what about when Sam suddenly says "Call me Samantha"?

The reasons they are meeting with parents and students is so that there will be less discomfort, and mre acceptance. And why should she move away from friends and family? this is not something to be ashamed of.

On the radio this morning one of the hosts made an interesting comment in that the kids will probably end up being more accepting than many of the parents, as the younger generations are becomming more and more accepting of people's differences.

That's the truth Marie..

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 12:28 pm

Maybe I'm just not evolved enough to not feel uncomfortable in a situation such as this. The point is, if I'm not that evolved then that means there are others who are not as evolved as some of you. But there will be some uncomfortable people in the situation. I'm just saying that maybe if it was not so public it would actually make me feel less uncomfortable. I mean did all this publicity really need to happen or is there a chance that this person made it this public for a reason.

zinkyusa · Post by **zinkyusa** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 12:35 pm

YZGI wrote: Maybe I'm just not evolved enough to not feel uncomfortable in a situation such as this. The point is, if I'm not that evolved then that means there are others who are not as evolved as some of you. But there will be some uncomfortable people in the situation. I'm just saying that maybe if it was not so public it would actually make me feel less uncomfortable. I mean did all this publicity really need to happen or is there a chance that this person made it this public for a reason.

It's usuall the media that goes crazy with these kinds of stories and blasts them all over the airwaves and newspapers. Lord knows good news is just not entertaining enough for todays news/entertainers..

Marie5656 · Post by **Marie5656** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 12:38 pm

Point taken, YZ..and I by no means wish to add to your discomfort, nor do I wish to ask any more info from you than you are comfortable giving.

But, the above meetings were for parents and students only, no media, no fanfare.

Yes, it can be a source of discomfort to some. But do you think it comes from lack of knowledge and understanding? I think this was the whole point of these meetings. To make it less uncomfortable when the school year starts.

Think of how the teacher is feeling right now! Now I commend that person, as I know this was a difficult decision for her (yes, we now need to call her by a female specific term) to make. It was not a decision that was easy to come by. She knew there would be problems, and issues. The schoo board could have fired her, for heavens sake. Though they would have had to show cause..and all reports indicate that as a man, she was considered a favored, and excellent teacher!!

I actually do not consider you "un-PC, as you put it in your original thread. You expressed your opinions well, and it seems you are willing to at least listen to another opinion. Which is all we can hope for on these boards..acceptance of the opposite opinions!!;)

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 12:44 pm

I'm glad you said that, Marie....I really HATE the idea of "political correctness" and have said so many times on this forum. If you speak honestly of your opinions, you're ok with me. I might not agree....but the "non-PC" words will never come out of my mouth! (Or through these fingers.)

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 12:45 pm

Fair enough. I'm not against her actions what so ever. It just seems that the circus that it has created could maybe have been handled more privately than it was. I do understand that she is not responsible for the actions of the crazy media so it probably just becomes a bit of a catch 22 situation. I sure would'nt know how to handle a situation like hers myself.

YZGI · Post by **YZGI** » Tue Aug 29, 2006 12:49 pm

Clancy wrote: Just for the fashion curious.....

....she was wearing a cream chiffon blouse, long crepe skirt, and black flats

.

Now that right there is funny, I don't care who you are...

Casey Morgan · Post by **Casey Morgan** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 4:20 pm

First, I absolutely hate it when the media (or government or...) uses "transgender" and "transsexual" as synonyms. It makes certain members of the Transgender community (such as genderqueers) become invisible.

Second, this is actually only the second article about this situation in the Rochester paper. I can't link to the first article so if someone would be kind enough to do that I would appreciate it. It gives you a better idea of what's going on.

YZGI, the problem with keeping transsexuals or any member of the Tarnsgender community (CD, TV, etc.) in the closet, as it were, is that people can't become comfortable with them. It's a catch-22 really. They can't come out of the closet because people aren't comfortable with them because they aren't out of the closet. To be perfectly honest with you, the Transgender community does want to be accepted by the public at large but it's also quite willing to live with the "you leave me alone and I'll leave you alone" attitude.

Marie5656 · Post by **Marie5656** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 6:27 pm

Casey Morgan wrote: Second, this is actually only the second article about this situation in the Rochester paper. I can't link to the first article so if someone would be kind enough to do that I would appreciate it. It gives you a better idea of what's going on.

.

Casey, unfortunatly, I think the D & C ( the local paper here) over-rides the older articles when a newer one comes out. I want to get info on the website the Batavia School district has out with more information. I will post it in this thread if I can get it.

Marie5656 · Post by **Marie5656** » Wed Aug 30, 2006 6:30 pm

Casey, and others who may be interested, the Batavia School District has information on thier website which gives more information.

http://bataviacsd.org/highschool.cfm

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 7:35 am

Thanks, Marie. Looks as if it WILL be a learning opportunity for students there...I looked through the pps presentation.

Casey Morgan · Post by **Casey Morgan** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 7:37 am

Thanks Marie. That presentation they have is great. Someone really did their homework.

Marie5656 · Post by **Marie5656** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 9:34 am

Yes, I am pretty impressed with the way they are handling all of this. I talked with my brother on the phone yesterday. My niece graduated from there 2 years ago. Unfortunatly my brother would be in the minority on the opposing side of this, and would probably have pulled my niece of of the class.

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 9:48 am

Ironic, isn't it? He's the MOST in need of that presentation!

CheshireCat · Post by **CheshireCat** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 9:52 am

Yes, thanks for the link to the presentation. It helped me understand a little better myself.

I'll be honest, I'm on the fence on this one. I just don't know how I'd react if I were a student. Kids are cruel. Hopefully everything goes smoothly for her. it won't be easy.

Marie5656 · Post by **Marie5656** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 9:55 am

This is a part of the children learn what they live syndrome. The ones with the more open minded and accepting parents, will tend to be more open minded and accepting themselves.

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 9:59 am

C'C...have you ever known someone with this problem? I've actually known two young men who should have been born female. It can break your heart.

I'm thinking this school district really has everyone's best interests in mind. Children CAN be cruel, through ignorance and repeating things they hear at home. Maybe this will be a valuable experience for them and open the door to more meaningful discussions.

I'm glad this teacher has the support of her coworkers and her place of employment.

CheshireCat · Post by **CheshireCat** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 10:04 am

Marie5656 wrote: This is a part of the children learn what they live syndrome. The ones with the more open minded and accepting parents, will tend to be more open minded and accepting themselves.

I had a couple of male teachers that were gay, but they couldn't be "out". I come from the Bible Belt and the ultra consertave. The wispers about these men were unbearable. They were two of my best and favorite teachers, lovely men. I can just immagine how it would be for this lady.

Maybe ya'll aren't so backwards in New York. Times change, the kids got to see Alexis Arquette on The Surreal life. Who knows, it may not phase them.

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 10:09 am

One misconception about this problem is that these people aren't necessarily "gay." Just born into the wrong gender. Whereas a "gay" man might feel very masculine himself, this person has always felt female and responds to men the way you and I would...as a woman.

CheshireCat · Post by **CheshireCat** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 10:11 am

Lulu2 wrote: One misconception about this problem is that these people aren't necessarily "gay." Just born into the wrong gender. Whereas a "gay" man might feel very masculine himself, this person has always felt female and responds to men the way you and I would...as a woman.

Oh I understand that, I used these men as an example of how cruel people can be to those that are different.

They were also cruel to the mentally handicaped kids.

I just meant that this lady has a hard row to hoe.

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 11:21 am

She sure does! Did you see "Transamerica?" Felicity Huffman was ROBBED! She should've had that Oscar!

CheshireCat · Post by **CheshireCat** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 11:37 am

Lulu2 wrote: She sure does! Did you see "Transamerica?" Felicity Huffman was ROBBED! She should've had that Oscar!

No I haven't. It is definately on my list. i've got a lot of catching up to do. I've been practically living at the clinic, we're short. One guy got fired and everyone is trying to get in summer vacations. I seem to be the only one with no life, so I get the extra hours. Hey, wool in my nest, right?

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 11:39 am

But...but....CeeCee....all work & no play & all that.....

CheshireCat · Post by **CheshireCat** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 11:51 am

Lulu2 wrote: But...but....CeeCee....all work & no play & all that.....

I know I'm pretty crispy right now, but I have this weekend off and Labor day. I'll find time to unwind.

Lulu2 · Post by **Lulu2** » Thu Aug 31, 2006 1:50 pm

(Sending a drinkie to C/C....and a complimentary backrub!) :-6