Quickie: TS principal is a role model

Over breakfast this morning I read in the New York Times about Genna Surici, a high school principal in Ulster County New York who was beginning the new school year after making the transition from male to female.

Here are a few quick and notable quotes from the article.

“We’re educating our students in more than English, history or science ... We’re educating them in compassionate living; that is what it’s about. It’s a revolutionary process happening right here. And she was an incredible principal before, but a better principal now.” (Margo McLoone, English teacher)

And 

Garrett Heinitz, 18, graduated from the school last year and remembered Mr. Suraci as “one of the guys.” Now he considers Ms. Suraci “kind of a role model.” 

Lots of credit is due to the students, staff, and parents who spoke up in support of principal Surici. While the school district's health coverage doesn't cover the costs of reassignment surgery, at least members of the school's community are generally open-minded and willing to accept their principal's progress and move forward with her.

Not everyone is on Surici's side, though. The "I can has irony?" award goes to one of Ms. Surici's detractors, Michael Locasio, who was quoted in the article saying:

“God makes things perfect and people want to screw it all up.”

Mr. Locasio's occupation? He's the proud owner of a tattoo parlor! 

Perhaps Mr. Locasio should check out Made In God's Image, a resource guide for religious people supporting the rights of transgendered folks.

...because public space really matters!

Elizabeth