Description:
These are two sets of handmade earrings, each in subtly sapphic hues
Dimensions:
1" approximately
Artist Statement:
I have now worked in education for over a decade. My first year, I was too afraid to tell anyone that I am gay, so I taught from the metaphorical closet. My second year, I worked up the courage to tell my administrator that I am gay, and she explicitly told me that I could not tell any students or families because she did not want to deal with the community push back. My third year, I left for a new school district in hopes of finding a safe space to live and work as my authentic self. I came out to my staff, students, and admin. Everyone was supportive but for a handful of vocal parents. So I stayed in that district and work there to this day. Every step along the way, from year one to this, my 13th year, GSAFE has been there for me, and the students, families, and other educators like me, advocating for safer schools for all of us. My life is better because GSAFE exists. Thanks to GSAFE's efforts in educating educators and advocating for policy change, things have improved exponentially. My colleagues and I now know so much more about how to better protect and support our students, in large part thanks to the educational efforts of GSAFE.
