I am the keeper of countless little love stories. And each student who has entrusted me with their truth over the years has helped me remain brave and out. As Sunday marks the anniversary of the Stone Wall uprising, I’m also reminded that their trust has fueled my drive to do and discuss difficult things.
A college student lingers after class after everyone else files out. She asks an inconsequential question, hesitates. Then, eventually she says, “I think I might be gay.”
Someone else asks to meet with me to discuss a missed deadline. She’s awkward and speaks fast: “I’ve been really distracted. I kind of started seeing someone and they’re nonbinary, and now I’m trying to figure out what that means about me. And I need to talk about this, but I am not sure to who.”
No matter how proudly queer a student may become, in this moment they are almost always scared.
I smile. “I am honored that you told me,” I say. “I’m proud to have earned your trust.”
