PEOPLE WORTH WATCHING
BEING THE CHANGE Mentoring one another to increase the voice of LGBTQ2SI people in our Association
By Walt Chaisson
After a number of attempts, what follows comes from a place of experience, self-discovery, and humility about having been asked for input. These are but one person’s thoughts as a gay teacher in OECTA. To other educators who are LGBTQ2SI, I want to say, “Be yourself.” I know that sounds easy, maybe even a bit trite, but to put yourself out there as a gay person, when we are still being treated with discrimination in some places, is a big thing for any teacher. Over the years, being myself has come with many negatives: open hostility, loss of friends, loss of colleague support at work, and legalized discrimination throughout society. But by embracing all that my true sexual identity had to offer – including a husband, children, and grandchildren – not only am I happier in my personal life, but this translated into being happier in my professional life. When I let that “little light of mine” shine, I became a truer teacher – my teaching style became less forced and I became more relatable to my audience. I was one who was “talking the talk and walking the walk” of being my true self, just as Jesus intended. I became a mentor of sorts, someone that the LGBTQ2SI students sought out for advice. This led me to start seeking out my own mentors within OECTA. As a married, straight man, there had been many mentors to turn to, at all levels of the Association. I assumed that in the 21st century, I would also be able to find LGBTQ2SI people in positions of power who could counsel me, guide my journey as a gay educator, and keep me safe from the rocky shores of discrimination. But I found no role models or mentors in the union I have been part of, in various capacities, for almost 30 years. There was no one visibly there to guide me as an LGBTQ2SI teacher. There is still a lack of visible LGBTQ2SI people in executive positions of OECTA who are willing to openly be part of the rainbow flag community. I use humour a lot, but seriously, I have gotten tired of waiting for mentorship, as I am sure others have. This is not a criticism, just an observation. I understand how difficult it is to step forward. I did not do so for years. But LGBTQ2SI teachers need role models in OECTA. It is time they had LGBTQ2SI mentors. There has been progress. Just to write these ideas, and to be part of a Diversity Advisory Board, shows that things are
moving in the right direction. To have a leadership that wants to know why marginalized groups such as people of colour, people with disabilities, people who are Indigenous, and LGBTQ2SI people are not represented in the organization means that positive changes have taken place and are going to continue. It is my hope that we Walt, his husband Jack, and their have LGBTQ2SI people grandchildren Brooklyn and Mackie in executive positions celebrating Thanksgiving so they foster other LGBTQ2SI teachers, so they do not feel alone in an organization as huge and diverse as OECTA. While I am by no means the gay ambassador, I am putting myself out there for other LGBTQ2SI educators in OECTA. I self-identify as gay, and I talk about my husband, Jack, and our children and grandchildren. I answer questions and give advice (imperfect as it may be). I share experiences as an LGBTQ2SI teacher: I have had the support of some amazing administrators and colleagues, while others have protested the recognition of my marriage. I have been told not to attend public celebrations with my grandchildren, and I have addressed homophobia within past parent councils. I believe that in time there will be visible mentors for all diversity groups, at all levels of our OECTA family. In the meantime, I urge you to be the mentor you want to see. Support other LGBTQ2SI teachers, and mentor each other. Be yourselves. You are not alone. Change is coming, even if you cannot quite see it yet.
Walt Chaisson is a teacher at Ascension of Our Lord in Malton, and a proud member of OECTA’s Diversity Advisory Board.
MAY 2019 | CATHOLIC TEACHER 23