SCHOOL HEADMASTER PRAISED IN ZIMBABWE FOR DECLARING HE IS GAY.

Harare,ZIMBABWE:

Lesbian‚ gay‚ bisexual‚ and transgender activists in Zimbabwe have commended the bravery of a top private school deputy headmaster for openly declaring his sexual orientation during assembly.

Dr Neal Hovelmeier teaches at St John's College‚ one of the country's elite schools. He made the announcement to pupils at the school last week.

Dr. Neal Hovelmeier.

Hovelmeier said in a statement that he had decided to lead by example because of some of his former students' experiences.

"I have become increasingly aware that a number of former students who gain the confidence after school to pursue their chosen orientation‚ have reported back to me experiencing an environment of intolerance‚ intimidation and homophobia while they were at school‚"

He said.

In a statement out 21 September 2018, attached to the show of support by the Headmaster Cav Trinci and his deputy A Sakala, Dr Hovelmeier said:

"I have always been an intensely private individual but in recent years as I have discharged my duties as Head of 6th Form, I have become increasingly aware that a number of former students who gain the confidence after school to pursue their chosen orientation, have reported back to me experiencing an environment of intolerance, intimidation and homophobia while they were at school. I have felt increasingly troubled by the fact that we as an institution have never openly dealt with trying to curb homophobic behaviour and, equally, failed to provide a safe learning experience for students who may identify as being gay or bisexual to truly flourish and feel accepted.

I simply feel and believe that as an educator I will be able to better address and advance this issue if I am prepared to be fully and open and transparent about it myself.

I also believe that it is integral to my own sense of personal integrity and professionalism that I deal with all students and stakeholders in an open and transparent manner. My only regret is that I did not make this disclosure earlier"

The headmaster‚ Cav Trinci‚ said in solidarity that the school was open to diversity‚ be it religious‚ sexual‚ racial or disability.

Activist Ricky Nathanson from Transgender Research‚ Education‚ Advocacy and Training said the bold move by Hovelmeier was a major victory for minorities and the marginalised in Zimbabwe.

SOURCE: 3. / Times.

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