Key Figures in Transgender Teacher Story Reflect on Their Experiences

Three of the main figures in the recent story about a Catholic school’s decision to continue employing a transgender teacher have spoken with The San Francisco Chronicle, sharing some of their thoughts about this landmark case.  Their reflections provide important information which could help other Catholic institutions follow their example when dealing with LGBT employment issues.

Sister Laura Reicks, RSM

The newspaper account says the Sisters’ decision to keep Gabriel Bodenheimer, the teacher in question, on the staff of Mercy H.S., San Francisco, was “the only decision that aligned with their values.” Sister Laura Reicks, RSM, the president of the West-Midwest Region of the Sisters of Mercy, the sponsors of Mercy H.S., San Francisco, told the newspaper that though there were many facets to this case, one idea quickly surfaced as most important:

“Supporting the dignity of each person — regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identification — was paramount, Reicks said.”

Reicks also explained that the Sisters examined their congregation’s charism and traditions, and they realized that though this case was new to them, they had guidance from the principles upon which their community was founded:

” ‘We have not had any other teachers ask for any kind of coming out before,’ Reicks said. ‘This is just our way of continuing to live out what our founders of Sisters of Mercy had always said, that regardless of what type of prejudice or feeling in society, we have to take a higher road and look at the person and how we can be supportive of each person.’ “

In addition to seeing the decision as one based in moral principles, it sounds like the Sisters also saw their decision as a good professional policy:

“Reicks said the decision exemplified an overarching position within the order to hire teachers without considering gender identification, race, religion or sexual orientation.

” ‘Their personal lives are completely separate from their qualifications as teachers,’ she said. ‘We are concerned about the education of young women and we do not consider personal criteria when we hire the best person for each position.’ “

Also offering comments on the case was Diane Lawrence, board chair for Mercy H.S., who noted that so far no one from the school community has protested the decision.  Lawrence also saw the educational value of such a decision, saying:

“We work with the girls on being respectful, respecting the dignity of others. In my mind, this exemplifies what we’re teaching.”

Gabriel Bodenheimer

And, finally, there is Gabriel Bodenheimer, the transgender teacher, who is Jewish, but says that he loves teaching at Mercy H.S.  Bodenheimer said the he “never sought to break ground in transgender rights,” but also that “after four years it was time to come out.”  He added:

“It was very important to speak, and name myself, and not be silent. The response I got was tremendously positive.”

Bodenheimer described one small incident over the last few days which seems to have touched his heart.  The newspaper recounted the event:

“. . . [O]n Wednesday night, he received an email from a student — a simple, mundane note about rescheduling a meeting because of a doctor’s appointment.

“It started with, ‘Dear Mr. Bodenheimer.’

” ‘That was really a great moment,’ he said, noting that students, concerned about final exams, were largely unfazed by the announcement. ‘This is consistent with who I am. This is not some shocking information.’ “

So many lessons to be gleaned from this entire case:

  • the importance of religious leaders being true to their values
  • the realization that gender identity does not affect a teacher’s professional effectiveness
  • the recognition that a school teaches not only in through its classroom lessons, but through its administrative decisions, too
  • the necessity to be true to one’s self
  • the next generation’s amazing acceptance of diverse gender and sexual identities

Leaders in other Catholic institutions should take the time to reflect on these ideas and facts, so that when they are faced with similar situations, they, too will be able to respond authentically and justly.

For Bondings 2.0‘s full coverage of other LGBT-related church worker disputes, click the ‘Employment Issues‘ category to the right or here. You can click here to find a full listing of the more than 50 incidents since 2008 where church workers have lost their jobs over LGBT identity, same-sex marriages, or public support for equality.

–Francis DeBernardo, New Ways Ministry

Related articles and posts:

Associated Press:  “Catholic school lets transgender teacher keep job”

Queering The Church: “New Ways” Welcomes Trans Employment at Catholic School”

Bondings 2.0: Thank the Sisters and Archbishop for Protecting the Job of Transgender Teacher

Bondings 2.0: New Ways Ministry Thanks Sisters of Mercy and Mercy H.S. for Continuing Employment of Transgender Man

 

0 replies
  1. Brian Glennon
    Brian Glennon says:

    Dear Frank and Bob These good news stories are wonderful to read…may such Sisters thrive and create a better church Thanks Brian

    Reply
  2. Brian Kneeland
    Brian Kneeland says:

    It is good to see religious communities supporting LGBT persons – and we need to get our bishops to see these same value as well as some other religious communities!!

    Reply
  3. Friends
    Friends says:

    This is such a sweet story, that it simply begs for a link to the lyrics of Leonard Cohen’s beautiful song, “The Sisters of Mercy”! You can view the lyrics here:

    https://play.google.com/music/preview/Tqcpcelbojfky76az4vxfz6bidq?lyrics=1&utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=lyrics&pcampaignid=kp-lyrics

    Not entirely applicable perhaps — but I’d give it at least a 90% relevance rating! (You can hear Leonard’s own performance of the song at any of the online music streaming services.)

    Reply
  4. John Hilgeman
    John Hilgeman says:

    What a good story. I am so used to reading of Catholic schools and churches using discriminatory doctrine to get rid of LGBT teachers and employees, that this is a welcome relief. Hopefully we will hear more and more stories of love and understanding winning out as time goes on.

    Reply
  5. Donna Ryan RSM
    Donna Ryan RSM says:

    What power-filled news on Pentecost Weekend…with the model of a community of persons, nuns, Board Members, Faculty and honest transgendered love and support each other. This is the Pentecost church.

    Reply

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