A drama teacher from Kidderminster has told a mother than her deposit for his classes will be forwarded to a LGBT support charity after she demanded it back after learning about his sexuality.
Michael Neri, 26, was sent a text by an unnamed mother of two, who said she no longer wanted her children to taught by him after she “learned” of his “lifestyle” and didn’t want her children to be “influenced by unconventional ideas”.
She also warned, via text, that as a Christian, her belief is that a man should marry a woman. She also stated she wanted her deposit back.
Neri’s respond was perfect as you can read below and has stated that the woman’s children would be welcome to his classes should she change her mind.
He wrote:
“I would be lying if I said I was disappointed to hear this. I pride my students on the respect and love they have for others and their passion for equality. You would only be infringing on our family.
“As far as I’m aware, my sexuality doesn’t affect my ability to teach, just like it wouldn’t affect a doctor’s ability to treat one of your children should they become unwell.
“I’m sure your children’s health would come first should they need emergency treatment, or would you need to check their doctor’s lifestyle prior to their life-saving operation?
“I wish you luck in finding an appropriate stage school that meets your needs, however from experience I find that theatre without gays is like cooking without spices.”
He added:
“I hear StageCoach are enrolling but there(sic) teachers have been known to wear mixed fabrics which I’m sure you are aware is forbidden in the Bible (Leviticus 19:19).
“Please feel free to come see our musical ‘Happy Days’, confetti will be used in the finale but please rest assured this is not an attempt to corrupt your Christian lifestyle. We just love glitter
“Unfortunately deposits are non refundable but don’t worry, your deposit has been donated to Stonewall, an LGBT charity.
“Regards, Michael.”
Speaking to The Metro he said,
‘If the mother changes her mind then her children are more than welcome to attend classes here – I certainly don’t blame them for the way their mother thinks.’
