Teacher Has Best Response To Homophobic Parents, After Pupils Are Pulled Out Of Class Because He's Gay

Teacher Has Best Response To Homophobic Parents After Pupils Pulled Out Of Class Because He's Gay
The Italia Conti school for aspiring actors and actresses, founded in 1911. Pupils are taught dancing, acting, elocution and singing.Picture Post - 5883 - A Nursery Of Stage Stars - pub. 1952
Grace Robertson via Getty Images
The Italia Conti school for aspiring actors and actresses, founded in 1911. Pupils are taught dancing, acting, elocution and singing.Picture Post - 5883 - A Nursery Of Stage Stars - pub. 1952

A drama teacher issued the best response after two of his pupils were pulled out of his class because their parents learned he was gay.

The teacher, called Michael, was pretty devastated after learning that two of his pupils would no longer be attending his drama classes.

His pupils' parents sent him a text to say that after they "learned of his lifestyle" they no longer wanted their children to attend class because they might be influenced by his "unconventional ideas".

Obviously for anyone, this is a horrible thing to hear. But instead of admitting defeat, Michael issued the best response. Like, ever.

The photograph was shared on Facebook by Regan Shepherd on 17 November, it has since been uploaded to Imgur and has been viewed more than 50,000 times.

To begin with, the parent(s) text the teacher saying:

"Hi Michael. Following our chat this week I have decided that [pupil] and [pupil] will not be attending class on Monday.

You have a strong reputation for performing arts which encouraged me to sign my children up for classes. I have recently learned of your lifestyle and as a Christian I cannot allow my children to be influenced by unconventional ideas.

It is our belief that a man should marry a woman. I look forward to receiving my deposit which you may post to me via cheque. Regards [parent]"

But it was Michael's response that was worthy of a standing ovation. He wrote:

"Hi [parent]. I would be lying if I said I was disappointed to hear this. I pride my students on the respect and love they have for others and their passion for equality. You would only be infringing on our family.

As far as I'm aware, my sexuality doesn't affect my ability to teach, just like it wouldn't affect a doctor's ability to treat one of your children should they become unwell.

I'm sure your children's health would come first should they need emergency treatment, or would you need to check their doctor's lifestyle prior to their life-saving operation?

I wish you luck in finding an appropriate stage school that meets your needs, however from experience I find that theatre without gays is like cooking without spices (just my opinion).

I hear StageCoach are enrolling but their teachers have been known to wear mixed fabrics which I'm sure you are aware is forbidden in the bible (Leviticus 19:19).

Please feel free to come see our musical 'Happy Days', confetti will be used in the finale but please rest assured this is not an attempt to corrupt your Christian lifestyle. We just love glitter.

Unfortunately deposits are non refundable but don't worry, your deposit has been donated to StoneWall, an LGBT charity. Regards Michael."

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