– children outed by school
– parents speaking out.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Imagine being a parent and discovering that your family has become the subject of online discussions within your community, all without your knowledge. This is the reality that Mortellus, a 42-year-old parent in North Carolina, faced when they found out that other parents had been circulating a petition to pressure their child’s school to prevent their child from expressing their true identity.
Mortellus and their spouse Joe have 6-year-old twins, affectionately referred to as “Sun” and “Moon” to protect their identities. Mortellus shared with BuzzFeed, “We are human beings, not mythical villains that can be spoken about in the way they have been.”
Challenges Faced
Recently, Mortellus toured a charter school for their kids and inquired about gender-neutral bathrooms. Despite being assured of a safe environment for their nonbinary children, information about their children’s gender identity was leaked to other parents, sparking an online campaign against the twins.
In North Carolina, where the first law mandating restroom use based on assigned gender at birth was passed in 2016, Mortellus discovered that charter schools have more flexibility in accommodating diverse identities.
Community Backlash
Parents at the school initiated a petition against gender-neutral bathrooms and the use of pronouns, garnering over 1,300 signatures. Hurtful comments were made about Mortellus’ children, with accusations of confusion and attempts to “cram satanic ideas” down others’ throats.
Parental Support
Despite the negativity, one parent at the school board meeting voiced support for the twins, emphasizing the importance of a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Parent’s Response
Mortellus expressed anger and disappointment at the lack of awareness regarding their family’s situation. They emphasized the importance of allowing children to explore their identities freely and urged understanding and acceptance from the community.
Family Identity
Mortellus debunked misconceptions about their children being “too young” to understand gender, highlighting the early development of gender identity in children. They stressed the need for acceptance and evolution of identity throughout life.
Religious Freedom
Mortellus addressed the use of Christianity against their family, advocating for the right to express themselves without judgment. They emphasized the need for coexistence and mutual respect in a diverse society.
Celebrating Diversity
Despite the challenges, Mortellus shared the joy of watching their children grow and explore their passions. Moon dreams of becoming an astronaut, while Sun excels in mathematics. Their family embraces diversity and individuality as they navigate through life.
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parent speaking out children outed school parents understood.
