A trans music teacher in North Texas recounts the heartbreaking decision to leave their beloved profession due to the state's escalating anti-trans legislation, particularly the bathroom ban, which made their work environment unsafe and unsustainable.
A trans music teacher in North Texas, who was 'stealth' about their identity at school, describes the profound impact of Texas's increasingly hostile anti-trans legislation, which ultimately forced them to leave a job they loved. Despite never disclosing their identity to students, the implementation of a state-wide bathroom ban created an untenable situation. The law carried severe financial penalties for schools if an individual was reported for using a bathroom inconsistent with their assigned sex at birth, making it unsafe for the teacher to use the 'correct' male bathroom without risking their school substantial fines. This led to the teacher enduring significant physical and mental health issues, including frequent UTIs and exhaustion, from avoiding school restrooms. The teacher explains that this policy, perceived as 'humiliation disguised as policy,' made it impossible to be their best self for their students, leading to their resignation before the winter break. The article also details the broader context of anti-trans legislation in Texas, including bans on healthcare for trans youth, restrictions on changing gender markers on legal documents, prohibitions on teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity in schools, and the creation of a state 'tip line' encouraging citizens to report alleged violations of the bathroom ban. The teacher recounts a personal incident where an anonymous report of 'grooming' was filed against them after a social media post, highlighting the constant fear and scrutiny faced by trans individuals. Despite the grief of leaving a profession that was a personal calling and a source of belonging since childhood, the teacher finds hope in their strong community. They have secured a new job in tech support with better benefits, including coverage for gender-affirming care that was previously paid out-of-pocket. The teacher emphasizes that while being trans is just one aspect of their identity, the systemic rejection made continuing their beloved work unbearable, leaving a significant void in their former school community. The teacher requested anonymity due to fears for personal safety and to protect former colleagues.
