An open-letter to employers who promote acceptance — Out, Proud, and Queer
By Anonymous
October is Queer History Month. Photo Credit: utep.edu
October, in addition to being Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Hispanic Heritage Month, is also Queer History Month. Throughout the past, queer individuals, especially teachers and childcare providers, have been forced to tread a fine line, oftentimes not able to come out of the closet due to issues with job security.
The last season of American Horror Story addressed this issue when Lana Banana’s lover is black – mailed into committing Lana to an asylum in return for not being outed; around this same time, Anita Bryant traveled the U.S., pushing the Brigg’s Initiative which, once passed in individual states, would out queer teachers and remove them from their jobs – thankfully it failed.
Daycare providers and babysitters faced similar issues. Even today, in 2013, some people still believe that the queer community seeks to recruit children. This is not the case, but it constantly reminds me how special it is that in Gettysburg, I am able to babysit for a family with heterosexual parents, both of whom accept me and urge me to stay Out, Proud, and Queer.
This letter is for them and any other family, queer or not, who has allowed their babysitter or their nanny, or anyone taking care of their children, to live their life without judgment, to live out of the closet and with job security.
Dear Family X,
I have never told you this, but I really appreciate the opportunity you have given me to babysit your children. In the past, my sexual orientation has been the cause of lost jobs or unwillingness to hire someone who may try to hurt or convert children. You knew full well going into this that I am co-president of a club that promotes LGBTQ etc. rights and acceptance and you welcomed me with open arms.
The other night, you confided in me that you are happy your children are getting to know men married to men, women who love women, and other individuals who are the reasons the rainbow encompasses so many colors. It warms my heart to know that you would be accepting if one of your children came out in the future and that you want them to know from an early age that gay is ok, and queer is a-ok.
If only every young, queer individual had parents like you, ones who actively expose their kids to diversity and acceptance rather than the close-minded narrowness my own parents witnessed as Anita Bryant traveled the U.S. promoting her Brigg’s Initiative to prohibit “sodomites” from holding jobs of any sort in schools or childcare.
Finally, thank you for letting your kids know that I live in the house proudly flying a big rainbow flag, rain or shine, so that, even if they don’t understand the implications now, in a few years, as they mature and begin to form their own sexual and gender identities, they will one day realize, as Harvey Milk urged in his 1978 “This is What America Is” speech, that I have “For their sake. For the sake of youngsters come out…once and for all, [to] breakdown the myths, destroy the lies and distortions.”
Thank you for allowing me to be me, and trusting that I, regardless of who I love, am trustworthy enough to take care of the three people you hold closest to your hearts, Child X, Child Y and Child Z.
