How does a teacher, especially a gay teacher, respond to the gradual increase in ethnic minorities in the student body? My Teacher is Gay tells the story of Peter van Maaren, who recounts his experiences at a community college in Amsterdam as the school undergoes significant changes. His upbeat and sometimes disconcerting stories involve not only his interactions with students but also his fellow faculty members and school administration. As it turned out, thanks to his openness and sense of humor his sexual orientation was not an issue for most of the students and their parents. It was often much more difficult to convince his colleagues and the administrators that a gay teacher does not automatically pose a threat to the school. His goal was to show that cultivating mutual understanding, respect and tolerance can actually make a positive contribution to the learning atmosphere. By being open and honest about his identity, he achieved far more with his students than he did when the school administration ordered him to keep quiet about his orientation and try to ignore any remarks about it. 

The Gay Krant editorial staff in Best has received a growing number of complaints about intolerance in education. Students today are afraid to be open about their feelings, and teachers report being forced back “in the closet.” In response to this alarming trend we publish interviews in the paper. Many are anonymous because the subjects are so afraid to go public. Consequently I am thrilled that Peter van Maaren is the first to come forward to share his story. A highly worth reading, and at times moving, account. Now we can only hope that politicians, policymakers and other involved parties will learn something from it. 

- Henk Krol, Gay Krant editor-in-chief

Education is not a matter of filling a vessel. Education is certainly not a budgeting exercise for administrators. Education is about lighting a fire of wisdom and humanity. Let this book by Peter van Maaren offer inspiration to do just that.

Jan Marijnissen, floor leader of the Dutch Socialist Party