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Group for lesbian, gay teachers expands

Wants to prevent bullying of students

When Tom Greene began teaching in fall 2007, he decided he was going to do so openly.

“There is nothing wrong with being gay. It is not abnormal,” Greene said. “I am not going to closet myself.”

About a year ago, Greene, who teaches government, economics and honors African-American history at Chapel Hill High School, founded the Proud Apple Social Club — a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual group for teachers.

Since then, the group has expanded to 45 members from 32 members, as media attention in recent weeks helped create a surge in popularity.

Greene said he created the group, which meets once a month in various locations in and around the Triangle, as a way for participants to discuss ways to stop bullying in schools — especially violence directed toward gay students.

“There is such a large number of teens who commit suicide due to bullying over their sexual orientation,” Greene said. “People don’t realize that bullying is deadly in an indirect sort of way.”

Tyler Clementi, a freshman at Rutgers University, committed suicide Sept. 22 by jumping from the George Washington Bridge after his roommate and another student allegedly posted a video of Clementi having a sexual encounter with another man.

Students and faculty members at Rutgers University held a candlelight vigil for Clementi on Sunday evening.

“It’s an unfortunate result of a society that is based on bigotry,” Greene said. “Events like this are going to continue to happen until society changes.”

Greene said Proud Apple works to provide support for students in the gay and lesbian community, and that he has had many students thank him for providing inspiration to finally come out as a lesbian or gay student.

Greene said he also works to train other teachers and administrators to become safe zone leaders.

Jesse Dingle, the principal at Chapel Hill High and a safe zone leader, said the zones are places for students to come and talk to someone and know what they say will not be judged.

“We do all that we can to promote acceptance” Dingle said.

Sean Grier is a new teacher at the Durham School of the Arts and is also a member of Proud Apple.

“In this day and age, it is very important for students to know that they can feel comfortable and safe in this place that they go to learn every day,” he said.

“Being open and honest about who I am gives them the ability to reflect on who they are and feel safe doing so.”

Billy Kluttz, co-president of UNC’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Straight Alliance, said he has been out with his sexuality since high school.

“I really think that what Greene is doing is a great thing,” Kluttz said. “The feeling knowing that you’re not alone is wonderful.”

Contact the City Editorat citydesk@unc.edu.

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