DC Principal Comes Out as Gay at School Event

Pete Cahall says his own students inspired him
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 5, 2014 12:58 PM CDT
DC Principal Comes Out as Gay at School Event
   (Shutterstock)

That a principal would address his students during an annual assembly in support of gay rights isn't that unusual. That he would come out as gay during his remarks is a little more so. Such was the case this week at DC's Wilson High School, where principal Pete Cahall announced that he was "tired of hiding" after 50 years, reports NBC Washington. Cahall ticked off a list of high-profile people who have inspired him, but he said the "critical factor" in his decision to come out was that "I have been inspired by my students."

Last week, the school drew publicity when the notorious Westboro Baptist Church announced plans to protest the students' annual Pride Day. The church's protest doesn't take place until next week, and students have been organizing a peaceful counter-protest in response. "I am liberated," said Cahall in his speech. "I feel safe and want all of my students and staff to be and feel safe." (The Washington Post has the full speech.) In other Westboro news, country singer Brad Paisley took a selfie with protesters to tweak them, notes Rolling Stone. (More principal stories.)

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