Doug

Hey guys. I am straight and who cares? I read the posts and think about these issues a lot when considering my path and how it is changed simply by being a man. I am now 40, but when I was 24 I taught Pre k in CA. Its so hard to break into those roles as a man. Yes, I was thought to be close to that of a circus carny really. Who is this guy? Why is he working with 4 year old children? I found myself magnifying my masculinity within dramatic play that was specific to camping, construction etc. Even though I was straight, I found myself underscoring my masculinity to show everybody I was not gay. I believe, in a strange way, we do connect in this posture. It was as if not being gay made it “passable” to teach. Ok, so by not being gay it made it more curious really. Fact is, we cant win either way until more men have positions of “power” within the field. I dont get the whole issue because who you have sex with makes no bearing on how you care for children! I will go one step further on my soapbox…. I have found that many environments in ECE are packed with women who have developed a stereotype of how we men should be as caregivers. You could get the Panama Canal back faster than a qualified man can teach in settings with children under the age of 6. Im just venting but wanted to say that although my “ball and chain” is a bit different, I feel your pain. I send to you both an excited cheer of support to keep fighting the good fight. Its a hope that we men can grow in numbers a caregivers with young children.
Doug