Do you feel a responsibility to mentor younger LGBT?

[stephfromMIT]

Kobi-Sorry if I wasn't clear. I only mean that I'll be a supportive prescence for the LGBT students I'll be teaching. I feel that being "closeted" implies a shame at being gay. I feel *no* shame in being true to who I am. Young people are looking for role models, and if I can be that, I'd feel bad about rejecting that opportunity.

[spritzerJ]

Originally Posted by stephfromMIT

Kobi-Sorry if I wasn't clear. I only mean that I'll be a supportive prescence for the LGBT students I'll be teaching. I feel that being "closeted" implies a shame at being gay. I feel *no* shame in being true to who I am. Young people are looking for role models, and if I can be that, I'd feel bad about rejecting that opportunity.

I can understand the supportive presence descriptor. I work to be a model of living as a strong, beautiful and joyous person. What someone, particularly a young person, chooses to remember me as is welcome. In my work I don't actively seek to mentor but "I see you as you are and accept that" moments happen.

Remembering my own young life I had few examples of those around that were lesbian. The one who was wasn't a mentor. Yet in my mind that person played an important role of visibility. Just by being themselves. It took no extra words or actions on her part. I am grateful for that person living and just being.

Within my family and with friends I have offered advice or another perspective. Often referring people to youth organizations.

[Kobi]

Originally Posted by stephfromMIT

Kobi-Sorry if I wasn't clear. I only mean that I'll be a supportive prescence for the LGBT students I'll be teaching. I feel that being "closeted" implies a shame at being gay. I feel *no* shame in being true to who I am. Young people are looking for role models, and if I can be that, I'd feel bad about rejecting that opportunity.

I understand the intent, I am just having trouble picturing the way or ways in which you intend to be fully out. Do you mean announcing to the entire class that you are <insertpreferencehere>? Or to just be you and answer honestly if someone asks? Or to be supportive of students who might disclose that they are queer? Or something else?

I was never closeted in the workplace or anywhere else. Trust me, it would be hard to mistake me for anything but a queer. Among my collegues it never occured to me to not mention my girfriend or to call my partner she or any other behavior that would deny who I was.

It was different with clients. Again, I would never deny it but as with any inquiries as to my personal life, there was a therapeutic way to handle it.

Like spritzer said, it was and is more important to me, in the workplace or elsewhere, to be seen for the person or the woman I am than it is to be seen for the queer I am.