Mrs. Mann

I had a third grade teacher named Mrs. Mann

They taught me ancient Egypt mythology, Greek mythology and read from a book that had its protagonist, a happy go lucky kid burns their eyes out by illegal fireworks.

It was life changing. The way it was explained. In a perfect way a child could understand.

I loved Mrs. Mann, and now I see that this person was trans. Back in the 80’s.

I remember they were called a “her” at assembly. Yet, They wore a tie and pants everyday.

I remember a time when we all were talking about Mrs Mann. Why does she wear the clothes she does? They’re man’s clothes.

They heard this and offered answers. “I look like a woman but I wear mens cloths. Do you have any questions?”

We didn’t because we had no context.

That’s what I remember.

There was no way to understand this. But, I loved Mrs. Mann. I didn’t understand them though.

I learned a lot from them.

It was a moment before we appreciated the moment.

Gender is fluid.

Gender roles are thankfully not a thing.

Women are not barefoot and pregnant

Men are not unfeeling robots who pay bills.

Somehow this is lost on the older generations.

Certainly lost on me until I took a look at it.

I have such great confidence in the newer generations.

I support the idea of “them”. It means women aren’t immediately thought of as home makers, men aren’t immediately though if as providers.