By Paul Nyathi|THE Gays and Lesbians Association of Zimbabwe (GALZ) has come out in full support of a school teacher who on Friday made a bold disclosure to students and staff at school assembly that he was gay.

Neal Hovelmeier a 6th form teacher at St John’s College, said the decision to come clean on his sexual orientation was aimed at helping curb homophobia at the school.

GALZ director Chester Samba at the weekend came out in full support of the teacher’s disclosure claiming that his action would go a long way in helping those who feared coming out in the open about their sexual orientation do so.

“I think coming out will undoubtedly assist teachers in managing some of the challenges associated with learners such as dealing with student assumptions around heteronormativity,” Samba said.

“It will help in developing a classroom culture of inclusivity for other LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, intersex people) learners and how other students can be supportive of LGBTI students in ways that embrace diversity in the classroom.”

The GALZ director said the revelation will also help school teachers in addressing similar topics within the learning environment.

“Normally, teachers choose to skip topics in class that they find embarrassing to talk about,” he said.

“Coming out will help end social isolation within the school as he will now begin to feel a sense of community with the reported support and cheers he received from learners.”