Some Massachusetts children will get trans education this fall when custodian Brian Bonin makes his debut as Brianna Bonin.
After fifty-four years living as a man, the father of two has started transitioning into his new life as a woman. And, understandably, he's pretty psyched, and, surprisingly, so are school officials.
Principal Norman P. Yvon and superintendent Ernest L. Boss will soon send out a supportive note, which reads:
Our night custodian has informed us of his decision to change his gender and, as we begin the school year, he will begin living and working as a woman. He has been a valued employee of the Oxford Public Schools for many years, and we expect his exemplary performance to continue as he changes gender roles.
Boss went on to remark to reporters, "“We alerted parents to make it easier on them. It’s her life. We won’t tolerate prejudice. We teach our kids understanding and tolerance.â€
Bonin's own family isn't handling the situation as smoothly. While his daughter's totally open and accepting, Bonin says her son and wife haven't quite come around. Said Bonin of her wife, Catherine:
Cathy is divorcing me and moving to Florida. She is a wonderful woman. She is hurt. She lost her wonderful husband Brian she still loves. Brian no longer exists. She wants a man. I’m not a man. I don’t blame her. She will go on with her new life and I’ll stay here and go on with my new life as a woman.
As for future mates, Bonin's not quite sure what the future holds. Nor is she concerned, "Maybe when the whole process is over, I will be interested in men, but for now, I’m just interested in becoming a woman." Hear her roar…
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Congrats to Ms.Bonin for taking such a courageous step in becoming who she want and needs to be. It's also refreshing news to hear the school superintendent so supportive.
I feel bad for the wife though.
While I'm very happy for Ms. Bonin and wish her all the best in her new life, I also really wish that the Queerty editors could set an example by using consistent gender pronouns rather than jumping from 'his' to 'hers' in the middle of the piece, and indeed mid-sentence. It is jarring to the reader, and potentially hurtful to the subject.
Hooray for the school district and the model they set with their support.
Since this is Massachusetts my question wouldn't apply, but it touches on something I've been wondering about: A man and a woman are legally married in a state that only allows that combination. One of them switches genders. Are they still married?
I'm really happy for Ms. Bonin. I really think that letting all of the school children's parents know about her transition was not needed. Since, she is a night custondian and I don't think she gets involved with the children, so why the letter from the principal? I think it is great that the school is accepting of Ms. Bonin and will not tolerate any prejudice from others but I do think that it should be up to her who knows.
I also work in a school district and I'm involved with children. I drive a school bus and I never had to let anyone know that I was a transexual.
As far as the question about being married. I am post op over 4 years now. It took me just under 10 years to transition and I'm still married. I have been married for over 38 years now. I don't think anyone has questioned my marriage nor do I think they should.