As an educator, I used to come out to my students every September. But I'm keeping my identity to myself this year.

• Every school year, I came out to my college students and was usually accepted.
• But coming out was mentally taxing, so I'm not coming out to my students this year.
• I am still ensuring my classroom space welcomes and accepts all kinds of students.

My voice trembled, and my heart pounded as I stood before the class of about 30 college students on the first day of English Composition 101.