Subject: [iyf] IYF-Interview with Dana Rivers Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 07:37:57 -0500 From: owner-iyf-online@gpac.org MEDIA ADVISORY - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Editor: Clare Howell, clare@gpac.org INTERVIEW WITH DANA RIVERS ========================== [New York, NY: 3 Dec 99]DANA RIVERS, AN AWARD- winning teacher at Center High School in Antelope, California, was fired from her job this fall when a right-wing legal organization in league with local religious conservatives put pressure on her local school board to 'dismiss the transexual.' Ms. Rivers, formerly know as David Warfield, had developed a program to encourage unmotivated students that was highly celebrated and won a prestigious grant; she won her school's 'Stand and Deliver' award for inspiring students; and, at the school district's annual meeting in September, she was given a standing ovation. When she notified her school administration that she would be transitioning to a female role, they were supportive and sent a letter to all parents in the district informing them of her plans to transition. They received only four letters in protest. Despite her distinguished record and the school administration's support, the school board voted to dismiss Ms. Rivers. She filed a discrimination suit against the school district as local parents, concerned citizens, and, most notably, her students rallied in her support. The news media quickly focused on her case and thrust her into the national spotlight. We interviewed her last week. IYF: You recently settled a portion of your suit against the school board. Can you talk about it? DR: I settled the dismissal portion of my case with my employer, Center Unified School District. I agreed to a buy-out worth $150,000. They agreed to drop all charges against me and expunge my record of all reference to my dismissal. They also agreed to use only my new name in all record keeping, and they agreed to support my future employment as a teacher by giving to prospective employers an accurate history of my teaching career, as well as support my efforts to keep my teaching credential. I agreed to resign from the district and not seek re-employment there. IYF: What legal questions remain to be decided? DR: I have two remaining legal issues. The state credential commission is doing an independent review of my case and could revoke my teaching credential. The school district is obligated under the terms of the settlement to support the retention of my credential. The issue may ultimately involve my right to free speech guaranteed under the First Amendment. I filed a claim with the state Labor Commission charging the district with discrimination based on my gender-different status. The Labor Commissioner has opened a file and is investigating the claim. The issue here involves my 'political activity.' As a transsexual undergoing medically prescribed treatment which includes living full-time in my appropriate gender role, I had no choice but to inform my employer and colleagues about my situation. By divulging this information, I participated in a political act, which I claim is a protected activity. IYF: On what grounds did the complaining parents and Pacific Justice Institute demand your firing? DR: They said I spoke to students in an inappropriate manner about my transition. The elements of their claim are largely inaccurate and out of context. And besides, I would never do anything to hurt my students. The real reason they are upset is that I am gender-different. I don't fit in to their concept of what a good teacher is. No matter what I did or didn't do last spring, these people would still not want me teaching. I should point out that it was no accident that I became a target of the PJI. They are on a 'seek and destroy' mission with regard to trans- gender teachers and public employees. They also seek to do the same to lesbians, gays, and bisexuals. Theirs is part of an organized campaign to eliminate queer people from education. The community where I teach was ready to accept me. Four complaints came into the district when my transition was announced to the parents of over 5,500 students. The board originally voted to keep me. But when the PJI rode into town, everything changed. We saw a document given to the school board by the PJI that threatened the board with lawsuits if they did not try to fire me. IYF: In your opinion, what were the motives of the protesting parents? The PJI? DR: I believe they think there is no place in our society for gender difference. They spew hate- based rhetoric under the guise of religion and seek to destroy our very means of economic survival. Their tactics are morbid, in that they want me out of the workplace, so I can't earn a living, so I literally shrivel up as a member of society. Having me dismissed is their version of burning me at the stake. IYF: Tell us about the May letter you wrote that has become a point of contention. DR: I wrote a letter to my colleagues explaining my situation. I gave it to everyone who works at my high school. The letter explained Gender Dysphoria and transsexuality, and my need under the Benjamin standards to live in my appropriate gender role for at least one year. IYF: Did you discuss your transition with your students? If so, how did they react? DR: I can't go there because of the remaining legal stuff. IYF: Tell us about the demonstrations of support you received from students, parents, and the local community. DR: Most of my colleagues and students were great. >From the moment my situation developed, people rallied to my side. I received support from people who understood the medical nature of my condition, as well as people who felt that there should be no stigma attached to my gender-different status. Colleagues called me every day after I was put on leave to check on me. I was invited to dinner, to get my hair done, and just talk. The History department even gave me a gift certificate to a dress shop. Students could not believe the intolerance exhibited by the board majority. They went to school board meetings and challenged the adults in the room to look at the message they were sending. They called local radio stations and pleaded my case. One station, FM 102.5, took up my case and aired numerous programs devoted to the students who support me. They then held a rally on the steps of the state capitol building. Students also picketed a staff training day, and wrote letters to anyone who would listen. Through all of this, they remained respectful and mature. I am so proud of them. Their behavior is exactly what we want young people to be doing.... that is, becoming citizens and speaking out on issues that effect them. Any teacher, or parent, or voter, should look at them and know that the future is in good hands. IYF: Do you still want to teach? DR: I am a teacher. It is in my blood. I have spoken before several college classes and I always get juiced. I love the human interaction and energy that learning provokes. I intend to take the next year and speak out about what happened to me, and why I feel our society is poised to be more accepting of gender difference. Then I will apply for a job and go teach in a school that respects my abilities and is not concerned about the shape of my body. IYF: What are your chances of getting another teaching job in the public school? DR: Excellent. Not only am I an award-winning teacher with years of experience, but California is in the midst of a serious teacher shortage. To be honest, I am not worried about getting another job in a public high school. IYF: What happens now? I know that you have some speaking gigs. Do you see yourself continuing as a gender activist? DR: I have been thrust into this role and, to be honest, I love it. It is part of who I am to be up front, candid, and in the spotlight. I do not believe that this means I am particularly vain or ego-centric. Rather, I know I am capable of speaking out, and it feels good to move the mountain. As long as people want to hear me, I am willing to spread the word. My transition thus far has been easy (yes, even though I lost my job) compared to my sisters and brothers who have faced ridicule and physical harm for their gender difference. I am humbled by the effort and energy of GenderPAC and the other organizations who are trying to make a difference. IYF: You just addressed NGLTF's 'Creating Change' in Oakland and traveled to Washington to meet with Rep. Barney Frank, among others. Tell us about your new-found high-profile status as an activist. DR: It's been fun, a bit overwhelming, and very rewarding to have so much attention paid to my situation. I have been interviewed by newspapers and radio programs and magazines from as far away as Germany. ABC News has followed my case closely, and flew my daughter and me out to New York to be on Good Morning America. I had to secure the help of an agent to handle the flood of requests for my time. A book and movie are being considered. I actually had Diane Sawyer and a producer from Oprah Winfrey on the phone at the same time a few weeks ago. People magazine named me one of the 25 most intriguing people of 1999, and Jane magazine named me one of the Gutsiest Women of the Year. It is amazing! I hope this exposure gets our message into homes where normal people can look at me, hear or read about me, and decide for themselves if I would be a good teacher, or neighbor, or spouse. All I want out of the media attention is to raise the bar.... to make society aware of the lack of rights we who are gender-different have. I'll take the coffee spills on my carpet and broken bathroom door that happened the day 20/20's camera crew invaded my house, if the result is more respect and a fair hearing about gender rights in this country. ### Subscriptions. Please contact: Subscribe@Gpac.org For prior releases, check the GenderPAC website at: http://www.gpac.org (c) 1999 InYourFace GenderPAC's independent online news-only service for gender activism. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of GenderPAC's Board, Officers, or membership.