For 10 years Daffne Cruz has worked at public elementary, middle, and high schools in Polk County, Florida. During these years, she’s never tried to downplay or hide her queerness. A high school assistant principal, Cruz has faced criticism from other school administrators in the county for being an out-gay educator. She wears bowties and suspenders to work and proudly displays photos of her wife and their daughter around her office. Some have suggested she conceal her queerness for the sake of her career, she said one county official misgendered her in a forum of her colleagues. Florida’s HB 1557, passed last year, was limited to kindergarten through third-grade classrooms. These laws don’t just minimize LGBTQ+ history or prevent classroom conversations with students about what it means to be queer and trans. Many LGBTQ+ teachers are finding it difficult to cope, especially when supporters of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation zero in on them. NBC News reported on teachers in Florida including Nicolette Solomon, and Robert Thollander. Whereas Willie Edward Taylor Carver Jr. was named Kentucky Teacher of the Year in 2022, they all quit their jobs after some parents and community members criticized them for being out gay men and sharing details about their personal lives with students. Other queer and trans teachers, particularly after Florida passed the Don’t Say Gay bill, have said they no longer feel supported or mentally healthy enough to continue teaching.
#Queer Up Education