ABSTRACT
Gay and lesbian educators' principal misgiving is that exposure of their sexuality will have negative professional and personal repercussions. All educators would do well to have dignity and fortitude. And, regardless of the limited long-term efficacy of the legal system, gay and lesbian teachers also must cultivate as many school and community allies as will fit in a courtroom. As this chapter illustrates, the question of whether teachers should come out is complex and worrisome: Gay and lesbian teachers have been hurt, even fired, because of disclosure. On the other hand, a teacher's coming out can be both a personal and a community triumph. Educators have reason to believe that coming out would draw attention away from their teaching and toward their persons. Each expects that parents and students will see him or her as the homosexual teacher, not the science teacher or the inspiring teacher.
