A first-grade transgender teacher reportedly told kindergarteners, first and second graders that doctors “make a guess” about a newborn’s gender at birth and that sometimes that “guess” is “incorrect.”
The comments came during an “Identity Share” Zoom call after the Boston-area charter school teacher was prompted by his assistant principal to share something he most liked about himself using an “I am” statement, according to reporting from The Daily Wire.
“So something that’s really cool and unique about who I am is that I am transgender,” Ray Skyer, who teaches first grade at Brooke Roslindale charter school, reportedly told students. “I’m gonna give you my explanation about what it means to be transgender as well,” Skyer added.
Skyer posted the video to his Facebook account, which is now private, accompanying it with a caption discussing “bills introduced targeting trans youth,” according to The Daily Wire.
A debate over how to discuss sex and gender with very young students has been heating up ever since the state of Florida passed a bill prohibiting such discussions before the 4th grade, or in a manner not age-appropriate for older students. Other states have also introduced new laws that would affect ways of discussing gender identity, and some have attempted to prohibit children from receiving “gender-affirming” care, which often includes treatments and procedures like puberty blockers and gender reassignment surgery, among others.
Skyer’s account is now private, but according to The Daily Wire he also added in his caption alongside the video some statements a few of his students made following the Zoom call.
“Great job, Mr. Skyer!” he indicated one student said. “I think my family is a lot like yours!” another allegedly said.
“How did you grow a beard?” Skyler said one student asked, pointing out that he responded: “My answer was just that I grew up!”
“‘Your brother is taller than you AND has a bigger beard!’ (Thanks, friend.)” another student said, Skyer noted.
