A music teacher in north Texas has resigned from his job, citing the state's new bathroom ban and a wave of anti-trans legislation that made it impossible for him to continue working while hiding his identity. The teacher, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he had been 'stealth' at work, with only administrators knowing he was transgender.
The bathroom ban, which took effect in December 2024, applies to multi-occupancy restrooms and changing rooms in public buildings, including schools. Schools face fines of $25,000 for a first offence and $125,000 for subsequent violations if a trans person uses a bathroom not matching their sex assigned at birth. The teacher said he feared being reported would burden his already underfunded school district.
To avoid using the men's room, he resorted to driving to a gas station or holding his bladder, leading to repeated urinary tract infections and exhaustion. 'This is humiliation disguised as policy,' he said. 'I decided to leave a job I love and was born to do.' His last day was before the winter holiday break.
The teacher, who started his career under President Biden, said optimism has given way to fear as Texas passed multiple anti-trans laws in 2025, including a ban on healthcare for trans youth, a narrow definition of male and female, and restrictions on teaching about sexual orientation or gender identity in schools. He described a climate of 'constant fear and worry' among trans Texans.
Despite the challenges, he cherished his role helping students find a safe space through music. 'I've had parents come to me saying I helped their kids through some really scary, dark times,' he said. 'They got to see themselves in a creative way for the first time.'
