1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

If you were a teacher and an lgbt student was attracted to you...

Discussion in 'Chit Chat' started by I'm_Danni_x, Dec 15, 2015.

  1. I'm_Danni_x

    Full Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2014
    Messages:
    384
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    UK
    How would you react? How would it make you feel? Would you feel uncomfortable around the student?
     
  2. kageshiro

    kageshiro Guest

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2012
    Messages:
    655
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    in your soul
    Uhhh, and thats why I wouldnt be a teacher. >_>
     
  3. Steve FS

    Regular Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2015
    Messages:
    64
    Likes Received:
    19
    Location:
    Washington State
    Gender:
    Male
    Sexual Orientation:
    Gay
    Out Status:
    All but family
    Yes, I would feel uncomfortable. Not because they're an LGBT student, but because they're a student...

    How would I react? Internally, I would just feel knots of worry and perhaps annoyance. I would feel a teeny bit flattered, but more like this is another hoop I have to go through to make this year work.

    Would I feel uncomfortable around the student? No. I will act professional and do what I do - teach.
     
  4. kageshiro

    kageshiro Guest

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2012
    Messages:
    655
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    in your soul
    And if you were attracted to them, also?
     
  5. I'm_Danni_x

    Full Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2014
    Messages:
    384
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    UK
    Yeah you could add that in too.
     
  6. imnotreallysure

    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2013
    Messages:
    2,937
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Leeds, UK
    Gender:
    Male
    Sexual Orientation:
    Gay
    Out Status:
    Out to everyone
    Not sure. Bringing it up with their parents might make the parents feel uncomfortable, because they might see me as the one trying to instigate the relationship - but if their infatuation with me was having an impact on their education, I'd probably be obliged to do something.

    If I thought they were attractive.. well, acting on that is entirely out of the question. Even if they're old enough, it's still inappropriate. A teacher is there to educate, not to sleep with their pupils.
     
  7. Steve FS

    Regular Member

    Joined:
    Oct 19, 2015
    Messages:
    64
    Likes Received:
    19
    Location:
    Washington State
    Gender:
    Male
    Sexual Orientation:
    Gay
    Out Status:
    All but family
    Yup. Teaching isn't the only profession where you can be attracted to a client (the student). In all careers, you need to be professional and put your attractions to the side. Being a teacher is no exception.
     
  8. Andrew99

    Full Member

    Joined:
    Nov 13, 2013
    Messages:
    3,402
    Likes Received:
    8
    Location:
    Milwaukee
    Gender:
    Male
    Gender Pronoun:
    He
    Sexual Orientation:
    Gay
    Out Status:
    Some people
    I'm worried I would develop feelings for them and then something illegal could happen. But is ill never be a teacher ever!
     
  9. XenaxGabby

    Full Member

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2015
    Messages:
    1,119
    Likes Received:
    7
    Location:
    Here and there
    Gender:
    Female
    Gender Pronoun:
    She
    Sexual Orientation:
    Bisexual
    Out Status:
    A few people
    I'd probably be flattered but a little uncomfortable. If things got too out of hand then I'd let them down as easily as I could. Tell them that there is someone out there who would be able to reciprocate their feelings.
     
  10. Michael

    Regular Member

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2014
    Messages:
    2,602
    Likes Received:
    4
    Location:
    Europe
    Gender:
    Other
    Gender Pronoun:
    He
    Sexual Orientation:
    Bisexual
    Out Status:
    Not out at all
    I'd feel flattered too, but as long as this student is on my class there is no way on earth I would initiate or follow anything. Only if the student has left school and is legally an adult, then who knows... It would feel weird anyways, but you never know how relationships develop.

    If I was being actively seduced by the student, or if I saw the situation as dangerous, I would look for help or at least talk about it with a coworker. Worst case I guess I would leave. I don't think I could handle it very well, I was never a good diplomat and I wouldn't want to be the asshole who breaks anyone's heart.
     
  11. I'm_Danni_x

    Full Member

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2014
    Messages:
    384
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    UK
    What if the student was aware that you were attracted to them, would that also make you feel awkward?
     
  12. GhostCake

    Regular Member

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2015
    Messages:
    36
    Likes Received:
    3
    Location:
    Germany
    Gender:
    Other
    Gender Pronoun:
    They
    Sexual Orientation:
    Other
    Out Status:
    Some people
    That'd probably be the worst case scenario for a teacher so i guess i'd panic. A lot of super awkward panic. And try to change my working place to get away from the situation as things like this could easily cost a teacher their job..
     
  13. Secrets5

    Full Member

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2015
    Messages:
    1,964
    Likes Received:
    77
    Location:
    UK
    Gender:
    Female
    Gender Pronoun:
    She
    Sexual Orientation:
    Bisexual
    Out Status:
    A few people
    I'd follow the procedure of what you're supposed to do when any student is attracted to you.
     
  14. sleepykitty

    Regular Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2015
    Messages:
    48
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Thomasville, Alabama
    Gender:
    Male
    Sexual Orientation:
    Gay
    Out Status:
    Family only
    i would feel kind uncomfortable, but would still do my job and teach, just get on with my day.
     
  15. Libra Neko

    Regular Member

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2014
    Messages:
    936
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    the world my mind created
    Gender:
    Female
    Gender Pronoun:
    She
    Sexual Orientation:
    Bisexual
    Out Status:
    Some people
    I would feel uncomfortable because this person is a student. I'm thinking, if this is before college, wouldn't it be pervy to have a relationship with a student?
     
  16. ForNarnia

    Full Member

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2014
    Messages:
    242
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Unknown
    Gender:
    Other
    Gender Pronoun:
    Other
    Sexual Orientation:
    Other
    Out Status:
    Not out at all
    Depends entirely. If they were a Sixth Form or University student, it wouldn't be so bad, but either way, they're a student, and there are rules about these things.
     
  17. WhereWeWere

    WhereWeWere Guest

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2015
    Messages:
    144
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    America
    Gender:
    Male (trans*)
    Considering the fact that I'd be a legal adult in this situation, I'd feel pretty concerned that a minor is attracted to me. It would make me uncomfortable no matter the sexual orientation/gender identity
     
  18. Lone Dragon

    Regular Member

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2015
    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Disney
    Gender:
    Male
    Gender Pronoun:
    He
    Sexual Orientation:
    Gay
    Out Status:
    Some people
    It would be a little strange, but as long as they don't act on it and everything remains professional, its cool. I hope they don't expect me to give them an A though.

    But hasn't everyone had crush on a teacher before? I really don't see a problem with it.

    They would never know.
     
  19. Hexagon

    Full Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2011
    Messages:
    8,558
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Earth
    I wouldn't be particular uncomfortable or concerned. It's not much different from anyone else being attracted to me, I guess. It shouldn't be acted on though; I think the power imbalance is too great to overcome in order to have a healthy relationship.
     
  20. lovetoomuch

    Full Member

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2014
    Messages:
    375
    Likes Received:
    5
    An interesting question and really relevant to my life since I'm studying to be a teacher. While it would be flattering, you have to set boundaries and be really cautious. Schools of education now even warn you about all of these things. I was told by professors, "Never be alone in a classroom with a student" or at the very least "Have another teacher checking up on you." You could do nothing wrong and end up being accused of something.

    Unfortunately, I think there would be some biased against LGBT members in schools. If a female teacher and a male student were in a classroom, no one would think anything (unless there were suspicions). If it is known a student is part of the LGBT community and the teacher is as well, there could definitely be assumptions made, which would cause rumors and even stuff getting back to school administration.

    I would try to help the student as much as possible if he / she were struggling with LGBT related issues, but as the teacher you would not be allowed to get very involved.
    I have done substitute teaching and while I think I'm far from good looking, I have already experienced some flirting.


    It's weird this question is brought up. I had a very, very good looking male teacher in high school and while I wasn't out as gay and I don't think he noticed anything, I flirted all the time. I really regret it now, but I remember hoping something would happen. Stupid puberty and hormones. Sometimes in high school, you don't know any better.
     
    #20 lovetoomuch, Dec 15, 2015
    Last edited: Dec 15, 2015