'Sir' will become 'Miss' at Accrington school (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Reading some of the comments by the adults, it might not be a bad idea for the school to hold a few classes during the holidays, to educate some of the parents in the proper terms to use. Mr Upton is not a transvestite but a transgender person, who is required by medical advisers, to dress as a female before the final procedures are undertaken. Somehow, I don't think that this was done during school times and only in private.
Much as I'm tempted to write some funny remarks, I have managed to contain myself and hope that others will exercise the same restraint.
When you think about it, it takes enormous courage to go public with this news and especially in front of children. How easily it would have been to sneak off and do this in private but then we would all be in ignorance, unable to confront what is for some, a life-changing act.
Perhaps it is best for an educator to make it known to children and answer all their questions, fully and frankly, so at least a few children grow into adults accepting those who dare to be different.

Sensational journalism at its worst. Shame on the LT for making such a big thing of it. Well done for the school and those parents who are intelligent enough to respond to it so sensitively.

RIP Rovers... have some compassion rather than posting crude comments.

good luck to him, i know someone making the same journey.

The children will cope seamlessly and admirably with this news. The problem as ever is their bigoted and prejudiced parents. I am sure Miss Meadows will make a massive ongoing contirubtion to children's educational journeys. I rather suspect these parents will not be able to credibly make the same claims.

If you choose to put your child in a church school it might be worth at some point exploring those Christian ethics of tolerance and inclusion rather than making ill-informed comments that rather suggest a desire to have fifteen minutes of fame than any depth of concern for their children's welfare.

I ask Wayne Cowie what his stance would be if one of his three sons had gender issues in years to come. Would he be supportive of his son(s) and render himself an hippocrit now or would he keep his own morales and disown his child for the way they are.

My girls attend this school and one has been taught by Nathan Upton and he was a great teacher, just because of the changes he decides to make in his life won't change his teaching abilities. Most of the kids and parents do not have an issue with it and are supportive of Nathan Uptons decision but as with everything in life there is always a minority whom think different.

Agree with these comments.

What chance do the children have when the adults have such ignorant and arrogant views...?

Sensationalist reporting by the Telegraph. I'm sure the children will have no problem with this. Indeed, it is better for them to learn about difference at an early age before they adopt the bigoted attitudes of their parents and Telegraph journalists.

I wish the young teacher well and, unlike some, I don't have any harsh words for the parents, especially the father who said his young son was very confused and upset. We don't know why he's upset or what he's imagining will happen.

What a nice way to spend the Christmas holidays with your child coming out with strictly taboo questions for which the answers will not be for the underage to understand!!!!! Better off sticking with the usual is "santa claus real?" questions as the simple answer I can provide is yes, just put a mince pie out for him !!!!!!

Get real people, this is what happens when we give into a PC correct Europe.
we are all entitled to our comments and opinions, as if the kids aren't confused enough, then make them have to understand this, Unbelieveable, yes I said it, it's wrong,

This is a massively emotive & complex issue. Was the Telegraph right to front page it or raise it at all. Might the key players have preferred to let this resolve itself without media coverage, which will now inexorably become national.

It looks like LT are deleting any comments that are negative - whatever happened to free speech and the right to an opinion.

I am sure I speak for the common sense majority when I say that perhaps this teacher should've moved school or taken a couple of years out. I personally think that kids in Primary school (not sure if this school has infants) are too young to know about the birds and the bees, let alone the bees and the bees at the age of 7.

Why has the LT made this news??!

Just because some narrow mined people are upset/confused/jealo
us that Miss Meadows has been brave enough to stand up and and try and explain what is happening to the children rather than (as some people would want) run off and hide!

I hope that the children can take on board what is happening without too much stress and confusion (but children being children they will sail through it) and not have the bigoted views that some of the parents seem to have. Im sure Miss Meadows will want to have her privacy and not be hounded by shoddy journalists trying to get a story.

It seems tome that Miss Meadows an the school have handled this very well, why would / should this be something like this be an issue? I'm sure that if the parents had tried to explain this it would have been far more complicated as they would not have all the answers. as Mr Cowie shows by calling the brave teacher a transvestite, and as reported

A mum said: “It’s his life, but he can dress as a woman in his own time. It’s just going to confuse the children.”

this just shows a complete lack of understanding and compassion to the individual, do the parents really think that this is all it is about??

please for the sake of the teacher in question and the sake of the children stop going on about it and lets get on with life.

Good luck Miss Meadows

This is a total none-story, but it sure is sensationalism at its worse. Also 'doorstepping' the parents for an ill-informed quote is utterly reprehensible. A good local newspaper would be more concerned with education cuts, not this because this is utter 'journalism'!

Sorry, that should have read 'gutter'.

Whydidtheybanme? You're right, everyone is entitled to an opinion, however the LT, quite rightly are deleting the comments that are obscene and distasteful.

The ignorance of the parents quoted is hopefully just a measure of those individuals bigotry, understanding and level of intelligence.
If a child of seven is talking about transvestites they certainly didn't learn about it from the teacher concerned because that is the last thing she is.
If I was the teacher concerned I would be looking very carefully at what has been printed, committed to print by "concerned parties" and other "comments" made by various individuals. There is now, thank God, some very interesting legislation in respect of these matters and offences that may arise therefrom.
My interest?...I'm transgendered, my two best friends are transgendered. I'm accepted at work and in my neighbourhood and by my family.
Good luck to her. Hopefully she will be strong enough to withstand the idiots, bigots and other assorted morons she is bound to encounter. You go girl!

Comfy. G

I am a Parent with 2 children who attend the school.
I have complained regarding the issue as my children are both very confused about the issue. I was the one answering all their questions they had not the school.
Everyone is going on about what is best for Mr Upton/Miss Meadows, what about what is best for the children.
I am not against what people do in their private life but this has been impacted on parents and children. Please bare in mind the parents had no say in whether there children were told. Children from the age of 4 years were told so yes infants were included too, are these children supposed to understand this I do not think so.
As for me being an idiot, bigot etc. No I am a concerned parent which I HAVE A RIGHT TO BE!.
I complained through the right channels though instead.
Everyone is good luck to him, what about the children it could affect, those that dont understand what will it do to their education?
Yes he is a good teacher that I cannot fault him for in any way. This should have been handled differently thats all I am saying

Education - We all care about our child's education and want the best for them.

In school we trust that teachers will strive to do their best in order to educate our children for the future, by delivering 'age appropriate' content via a structured framework.

Were Miss Meadows starting as a new teacher in 2013, I, as I suspect is the case with most parents that have objections, would have little concern.

Why then am I currently extremely worried:

1. Where was the parental support prior to telling the children; parents were left to answer difficult questions without prior knowledge of the subject or how to handle it.

2. Children were informed before parents had the option to object.

3. Timing; is Christmas, the time when children should be celebrating and having fun, the best time to introduce contentious issues into school for them.

4. Should children at primary age, be forced to gain knowledge surrounding gender issues, primarily to support the requirements of an individual.

5. The children are already asking searching questions, this is likely to escalate in the New Year when Miss Meadows appears, support ? guidance ? counselling ? has this been considered or planned for ?

Yes Mr Upton has rights and I for one support him in having the right to live life as he pleases.

Morally however, when entering the teaching profession, I feel he entered into a career which requires far more dedication than contractual considerations allow for, he should have moved schools to protect the minds of our most precious gifts, our children!

Is Mr Upton/Ms Meadows a good teacher? That's really all that matters.

I can remember having to learn the new name for one of my teachers when i was at primary school. She got married over the Easter break. Somehow I coped.

Sod the kids and the parents, this is about protecting/promoting a minority.

Unfortunately the rights of "Miss Meadows" trumps those of the pupils and parents.If you disagree with that, you're a bigot/arrogant/ignor
ant/insert other insults here, because that's the world we now live in.

I had Mr. Upton as my teacher in Year 6 and he was the best teacher that I've ever had! Surely it shouldn't matter what decisions and Changes they make? All that matters that he is a teacher and that he does his job well...

karltop wrote:
Sod the kids and the parents, this is about protecting/promoting a minority.

Unfortunately the rights of "Miss Meadows" trumps those of the pupils and parents.If you disagree with that, you're a bigot/arrogant/ignor

ant/insert other insults here, because that's the world we now live in.

We live in a world with freedom of speech to cant you tell. Vile words are those.
As a parent I put my children first no matter what I am called.
These children are the future, children of that age shouldnt need to know!
Anyone commenting whose children are not at the school need to think twice as it doesnt affect you

fudgie87 wrote:
I am a Parent with 2 children who attend the school.
I have complained regarding the issue as my children are both very confused about the issue. I was the one answering all their questions they had not the school.
Everyone is going on about what is best for Mr Upton/Miss Meadows, what about what is best for the children.
I am not against what people do in their private life but this has been impacted on parents and children. Please bare in mind the parents had no say in whether there children were told. Children from the age of 4 years were told so yes infants were included too, are these children supposed to understand this I do not think so.
As for me being an idiot, bigot etc. No I am a concerned parent which I HAVE A RIGHT TO BE!.
I complained through the right channels though instead.
Everyone is good luck to him, what about the children it could affect, those that dont understand what will it do to their education?
Yes he is a good teacher that I cannot fault him for in any way. This should have been handled differently thats all I am saying

Well said. Children of this age are too young to understand. This teacher should have had a fresh start at a different school to avoid any confusion for the young children.

May I take the opportunity to support Lucy in her decision for next term. The quality of the teaching she will provide is the key issue here not her title or her mode of dress. Children will cope with a change of name - of course they will have questions, it is the way they learn; knowing the staff and school as I do I am positive that they will handle all problems professionally and be supportive of the pupils as always. As for the point that was raised about birds and bees being a secondary school topic - I metaphorically throw my hands up in dispair! You need to answer the questions as they arise not put a specific age on the answers. I do not feel that your paper was right to put added pressure on the staff and children at this time but I expect that you were 'directed ' to the story by a 'concerned' parent.

stevie007bond wrote:
I ask Wayne Cowie what his stance would be if one of his three sons had gender issues in years to come. Would he be supportive of his son(s) and render himself an hippocrit now or would he keep his own morales and disown his child for the way they are.

My girls attend this school and one has been taught by Nathan Upton and he was a great teacher, just because of the changes he decides to make in his life won't change his teaching abilities. Most of the kids and parents do not have an issue with it and are supportive of Nathan Uptons decision but as with everything in life there is always a minority whom think different.

id tell him to quit schools start a fresh and stand by him he got the job as a man let the kids get to know him as a man then gives um 2weeks to get they heads round it some of them kids is 4 year old

Mr Cowie.....I need say no more on the subject as you make my point so more forcefully. Clearly with your ignorance your children NEED the school to teach them the complexities of the issue given you are patently unsuited so to do.

fudgie87 wrote:

karltop wrote:
Sod the kids and the parents, this is about protecting/promoting a minority.

Unfortunately the rights of "Miss Meadows" trumps those of the pupils and parents.If you disagree with that, you're a bigot/arrogant/ignor


ant/insert other insults here, because that's the world we now live in.

We live in a world with freedom of speech to cant you tell. Vile words are those.
As a parent I put my children first no matter what I am called.
These children are the future, children of that age shouldnt need to know!
Anyone commenting whose children are not at the school need to think twice as it doesnt affect you

I agree completely. My post was designed to be sarcastic. I'm on your side.

Wayne Cowie - I think you need to understand the difference between transexual and transgender. Why the talk of sacking? What proof do you have that mode of dress and title are going to make this professional teacher behave any differently towards your child?

teacher125 wrote:
May I take the opportunity to support Lucy in her decision for next term. The quality of the teaching she will provide is the key issue here not her title or her mode of dress. Children will cope with a change of name - of course they will have questions, it is the way they learn; knowing the staff and school as I do I am positive that they will handle all problems professionally and be supportive of the pupils as always. As for the point that was raised about birds and bees being a secondary school topic - I metaphorically throw my hands up in dispair! You need to answer the questions as they arise not put a specific age on the answers. I do not feel that your paper was right to put added pressure on the staff and children at this time but I expect that you were 'directed ' to the story by a 'concerned' parent.

Handle them unprofessionally... that is why my children are really confused. They learn age appropriately why do children from 4 years up need to learn this? Answer SIMPLES! they dont.

teacher125 wrote:
Wayne Cowie - I think you need to understand the difference between transexual and transgender. Why the talk of sacking? What proof do you have that mode of dress and title are going to make this professional teacher behave any differently towards your child?

I know the difference and dont think it is something I should be having to discuss with my primary school children.
There is a lot more thinking that needs to be done this is no were near as straight forward as those supporting this thinks. This has not been thought though at ALL!

fudgie87 - why do they need to learn this? Perhaps because it is something that happens?

teacher125 wrote:
fudgie87 - why do they need to learn this? Perhaps because it is something that happens?

It is not for the state to interfere in how people want to bring up their kids. Nor should it be forced upon them.

look its like this i havent forced my way of life on him and hes kids hes froced hes on me and mine so its got nowt to do with being guy or out like that even if it wont affect ur kids u must see that theres a chance it will affect the other 100/200

fudgie87 wrote:

teacher125 wrote:
Wayne Cowie - I think you need to understand the difference between transexual and transgender. Why the talk of sacking? What proof do you have that mode of dress and title are going to make this professional teacher behave any differently towards your child?

I know the difference and dont think it is something I should be having to discuss with my primary school children.
There is a lot more thinking that needs to be done this is no were near as straight forward as those supporting this thinks. This has not been thought though at ALL!

I think that the evidence of the staff hand delivering a well constructed information letter to parents was well thought out. What was not as well considered was running to the press with a so-called 'story'. Perhaps it would have been better to request an interview with the Headteacher so that parents could have been helped to support and inform their children in the individual manner that was age and intelligence specific.

wots gonner happen to the frist kids that giggle kids will be kids

teacher125 wrote:
fudgie87 - why do they need to learn this? Perhaps because it is something that happens?

You are not understanding any of this at all, yes it happens as do a lot of other things in life.
As a parent I have a right to explain things to my children if I choose to this right was took away from me, along with other parents.
I have no problem with the way any people live there lives at home or away from school. As long as it is not done in front of my children without my consent first. That is the problem I have my children should be talking about Santa, not asking questions about a teacher.

Let's face it, the kids will ask a few awkward questions but they'll soon get over it. Life is full of difficult questions... I'm sure the surviving children from the shootings in America will ask why a man went into their school and shot their friends, as will many children around the world. Parents just need to explain it to them in a simple way that they will understand and stop making such a drama out of it. Calm down, no-one died and they will all get over it and no-one's life or grades will be ruined as a consquence of it (unless of course those parents who continue to bleat on about it make it so).

wayne cowie wrote:
wots gonner happen to the frist kids that giggle kids will be kids

I expect it will be dealt with in the same way all actions of this ilk are - to the same high standard of manners and understanding for which St Mary Magdalen's has become reknown. I would have thought it was common sense for the parents to support the school and it's staff if they want the best for children at the school.

teacher125 wrote:

fudgie87 wrote:

teacher125 wrote:
Wayne Cowie - I think you need to understand the difference between transexual and transgender. Why the talk of sacking? What proof do you have that mode of dress and title are going to make this professional teacher behave any differently towards your child?

I know the difference and dont think it is something I should be having to discuss with my primary school children.
There is a lot more thinking that needs to be done this is no were near as straight forward as those supporting this thinks. This has not been thought though at ALL!

I think that the evidence of the staff hand delivering a well constructed information letter to parents was well thought out. What was not as well considered was running to the press with a so-called 'story'. Perhaps it would have been better to request an interview with the Headteacher so that parents could have been helped to support and inform their children in the individual manner that was age and intelligence specific.

What should have happened is the Head and Governors should have called an urgent meeting of parents. To discuss the matter stop passing this BIG error back onto the parents trying to protect their children.
The school strive on being approachable so why didnt they do the decent thing and approach the parents of the children they teach, way before and have meetings regarding it. This should not be forced on MY children.
You really need to step back and look at how this is going to affect the children in the long term.

teacher125 wrote:

wayne cowie wrote:
wots gonner happen to the frist kids that giggle kids will be kids

I expect it will be dealt with in the same way all actions of this ilk are - to the same high standard of manners and understanding for which St Mary Magdalen's has become reknown. I would have thought it was common sense for the parents to support the school and it's staff if they want the best for children at the school.

dont i get the same they droped this on me no i dont under stand stuff like this or wont too i cant get my head round it at 35 good luck to 4 to 11 year old 2 week is no were near long enough bottum line no matter wot he thinks he is or trying to be he a man in a dress hes gonner be spending more time copeing with the kids laughing then teaching um

if any one thinks diffent there kiding there selfs p.c gone mad

fudgie87 wrote:

teacher125 wrote:

fudgie87 wrote:

teacher125 wrote:
Wayne Cowie - I think you need to understand the difference between transexual and transgender. Why the talk of sacking? What proof do you have that mode of dress and title are going to make this professional teacher behave any differently towards your child?

I know the difference and dont think it is something I should be having to discuss with my primary school children.
There is a lot more thinking that needs to be done this is no were near as straight forward as those supporting this thinks. This has not been thought though at ALL!

I think that the evidence of the staff hand delivering a well constructed information letter to parents was well thought out. What was not as well considered was running to the press with a so-called 'story'. Perhaps it would have been better to request an interview with the Headteacher so that parents could have been helped to support and inform their children in the individual manner that was age and intelligence specific.

What should have happened is the Head and Governors should have called an urgent meeting of parents. To discuss the matter stop passing this BIG error back onto the parents trying to protect their children.
The school strive on being approachable so why didnt they do the decent thing and approach the parents of the children they teach, way before and have meetings regarding it. This should not be forced on MY children.
You really need to step back and look at how this is going to affect the children in the long term.

Fudgie87 - what do you see as the long term damage to your children ? Do you believe that it is going to affect their academic achievement? Is it going to affect the way that they will live their future lives? Or is it just another piece of information about the world and the individuals that live in it, that they need to know about, to be well adjusted members of society? We could all pretend that things that make us uncomfortable or are awkward to deal with, don't exist but is that giving our children an honest and realistic view of the world in which they are to live ?

What does everyone think is actually going to happen to the children? They'll have some questions at first? They'll be better informed as a result? They'll have the capacity to understand that everyone's different and it's ok to accept change?

The concerns you have can be so easily dispelled by learning a bit about the issues.

When you state that parents 'should have been consulted' what does that mean? You, because you have a child at the school feel you are qualified to challenge a decision made adhering to the law and school policy in a healthy wonderful way as the school have done? No, with all due respect, having a car does not make you a mechanic and having a child does not make you qualified to understand what is best for a healthy culture within a school.

We are free to parent as we wish and tackle any issues as we wish....blustering and complaining and shrilly shreiking about how terrible this is in front of children is what will cause long term confusion.

You are seeking to have an individual who is good at their job removed from the school because you're a bit uninformed.

Shame on you for showing such a lack of compassion.
Congratualtions to the school.

Well said Erm,But!

teacher125 wrote:
Wayne Cowie - I think you need to understand the difference between transexual and transgender. Why the talk of sacking? What proof do you have that mode of dress and title are going to make this professional teacher behave any differently towards your child?

If he / she hasn't had the old nip and tuck yet, then I would say they are still a transsexual, not a transgender.

it is up too me if and when i talk to my kids about this stuff not a techer if hes not thought of this stuff not my fauit it affacets all the kids and all that know him as for compassion were the hell is hes he should go away and start again the way he thinks he should be not dump all hes life going upside down on all the people at the school he could of done this a lot diffent

teacher125 wrote:

fudgie87 wrote:

teacher125 wrote:

fudgie87 wrote:

teacher125 wrote:
Wayne Cowie - I think you need to understand the difference between transexual and transgender. Why the talk of sacking? What proof do you have that mode of dress and title are going to make this professional teacher behave any differently towards your child?

I know the difference and dont think it is something I should be having to discuss with my primary school children.
There is a lot more thinking that needs to be done this is no were near as straight forward as those supporting this thinks. This has not been thought though at ALL!

I think that the evidence of the staff hand delivering a well constructed information letter to parents was well thought out. What was not as well considered was running to the press with a so-called 'story'. Perhaps it would have been better to request an interview with the Headteacher so that parents could have been helped to support and inform their children in the individual manner that was age and intelligence specific.

What should have happened is the Head and Governors should have called an urgent meeting of parents. To discuss the matter stop passing this BIG error back onto the parents trying to protect their children.
The school strive on being approachable so why didnt they do the decent thing and approach the parents of the children they teach, way before and have meetings regarding it. This should not be forced on MY children.
You really need to step back and look at how this is going to affect the children in the long term.

Fudgie87 - what do you see as the long term damage to your children ? Do you believe that it is going to affect their academic achievement? Is it going to affect the way that they will live their future lives? Or is it just another piece of information about the world and the individuals that live in it, that they need to know about, to be well adjusted members of society? We could all pretend that things that make us uncomfortable or are awkward to deal with, don't exist but is that giving our children an honest and realistic view of the world in which they are to live ?

Were have i mentioned "long term damage?"
I could really go into how this should have been dealt with from start to finish.
Why because I have children and know what questions they are going to ask because of this.
Which part of I, ME, THE PARENT, should have told my children do YOU simply not understand??

If you were going to tell them - where is your problem? They ALL had to be told before the return to school after Christmas - it would not have been right to have some children knowing and others ignorant of the change.

Well maybe a different question would be - why didn't you tell your children?

Why didn't they know that some people are a little different than you or I and that that's ok? That's all it takes. There doesn't need to be an in depth discussion.

This issue should not be about sex or gender or relationships. It should be about how it's ok to be who you are, no matter what anyone thinks.

I am absolutely disgusted the Lancashire Telegraph opted to run with this "story" especially when the teacher is question explicitly requested that his privacy be respected. From the standards of journalism shown it is clear that the LT has not learnt anything from the Leveson enquiry. My son who has moved up to senior school now was taught by Mr Upton has the utmost respect for him, as his favourite teacher. It is likely my daughter will be taught by Miss Meadows and will show a similar level of respect. She told me in a very matter of fact sort of way about the change, was naturally curious and asked lots of questions. All of her questions were of an "age appropriate" nature i.e. not even vaguely sexual, and so I answered her questions in an equally age appropriate way. Some parents are making too much fuss and that is probably why some kids are.

Also - I know the response to 'why didn't you tell your children?' will be

' because I didn't get the chance'

It was not a literal question. So don't worry.

if iam the minority am still intieted to a view and thats mine hes got to unders stand not all can take that way of life in and should not be froced too more so when ur betiwe 4 and 11 years old

teacher125 wrote:
If you were going to tell them - where is your problem? They ALL had to be told before the return to school after Christmas - it would not have been right to have some children knowing and others ignorant of the change.

Like I said previously. My children would have been told after Christmas not before, as that would have been my choice when to tell them.
As a parent I have that right of when I explain things to my children. END OFF DISCUSSION FROM ME, ITS FALLING ON DEAF EARS!

he could not ive done it at a worse time last year of school week befoe chrismas

teacher125 wrote:
If you were going to tell them - where is your problem? They ALL had to be told before the return to school after Christmas - it would not have been right to have some children knowing and others ignorant of the change.

I think this comment sums up the attitude, they all HAD to be told!!!

Well yes true, assuming that there were no other options.

As a teacher I am sure you believe in education, many comments posted within this discussion, relate to the supposed ignorance of parents. Why are they ignorant of the facts?


Surely they should be well informed, after all they received a newsletter with a full two lines in the middle of it covering the issue.

Writing to the governors was equally productive,

"we've passed your letter to our legal representative".....
..How Helpful !


Educating parents, allowing plenty of time for preparation and discussion whilst planning with a sensible timescale to inform the children would have been far more appropriate.

A fully informed parent may not be as concerned, how about sending home a proper information leaflet containing all of the facts, not two lines in a newsletter!!

As an ex-student of this school, I knew Mr Upton. In my opinion, I think he was a fantastic teacher, and not only did he get everyone grades that were suitable for secondary school, he was a real nice person and treated people with the respect. Surely enough, we should give him the exact same back? At the end of the day. it's his decision to what he wants to do with his life, we don't deny people their own rights. Everyone wasn't born the same, and if someone is unhappy with themselves, we shouldn't judge people. Personally, I hope Mr Upton is happy with his new life and wish him all the luck.

I wish you nothing but the best, I hope you are able to find happiness following your transition x

I really don't see why some parents are making an issue over this,if they were that concerned of the effect it will have on there children why can't they explain to there children themselves , we're living in the 21st century for gods sake, children nowadays know more about these things than we ever did at there age, it seems to me after reading some of the disgusting comments being made about this guy, these individuals may have a gender problem of there own and can't come out, I think this guy is very brave, he's doing a job he's good at and the children, if there taught about these things then they should be fine, I remember when I was young laughing at a lesbian and my mum went mad at me for being so rude, when things get explained in the right manner by parents children are fine ,There's a lot of small minded idiots out there that think certain things should be hidden, well sorry but I'm with this guy and the decent parents out there all the way, good luck to him and we'll done, ask for the pea brain individuals get a life, there's worse things in this world that children are up against and this teacher certainly isn't one of them.

Children are very resilient, they know and accept from an early age that nature plays tricks, such as some people and animals are born with white eyes and white hair/fur which we term "albinos". They learn pretty quickly that kittens and people are born with extra toes. We accept this but don't understand why an outwardly seeming (fe)male wants to act out of the ordinary. It's the internal unseen organs which are the problem. We know all babies start off in the womb as females, but as yet we don't know what happens to disturb nature when the sex is determined. Currently scientists are only just finding the tip of the problem about Human sexual orientation and the Hypothalamus gland. One day they may be able to pinpoint the cause but until then we parents and teachers have to find a way to explain that we're not all the same