Today’s Perfect Moment is about earning trust…or something akin to that.
Today, one of my students imparted some knowledge on me that she didn’t have a boyfriend, but rather a girlfriend.
This in itself was not a big shocker, nor particularly uncommon. I generally don’t speculate about the sexuality/sexual orientation of my students. Some are open, some are not. Some couldn’t be bothered to tell me, while others do. I don’t usually react other than to ask to see a photo? (I am happy to report that they are a lovely couple)
The thing is, I know that in some of the countries my students come from they face more violence and discrimination than they would in Canada–and lets not be naive, the LGBTQ community still faces lots of discrimination here despite the strides in human rights. So, when a student opens up to me, I know that I have earned their trust. I know that they might be risking more than I realize. Either that or my knowing is of no consequence, which to be fair is very true.
It comes on the heels of a great t-shirt I spotted on the bus this very morning. It was a take on the Straight Outta Compton t-shirt (which is also available for people from Malton–Straight Outta Malton). One young lady had on a “straight outta the closet” shirt.
Perfect Moments all around, coincidental or not.
Hahaha, that’s a great shirt!
Teachers are so important. It’s a great reflection on you that your students want to share something so personal. I know I have reached out and randomly told a teacher something about my personal life that perhaps they weren’t expecting and have never regretted that confidence.
On a completely different note, I nominated you for the Mystery Blogger Award. 🙂