US: Washington students cheer principal after he comes out during Pride speech
The principal of a Washington high school was loudly cheered by his students, after coming out during a Pride speech.
Pete Cahall, the Principal of Woodrow Wilson High School, made the revelation to students in a speech today.
He told them that he had “hid in the shadows for the last 50 years”, but after seeing students embrace a Pride event, felt inspired to speak out about his life openly.
He said: “I want to say publicly for the first time because of your leadership, care and support that I am a proud gay man who just happens to be the principal of Wilson High School.”
Students at the event – attended by District of Columbia mayor Vincent Gray – loudly cheered Cahall as he finished his speech.
Wilson Principal Pete Cahall comes out as gay to his students at Pride Day. Emotional moment and huge cheers. pic.twitter.com/7cXtMpR1NH
— emma brown (@emmersbrown) June 4, 2014
Wilson students and faculty cheer after Principal Cahall’s announcement:”I am a proud gay man.” @wilsonhsdcps pic.twitter.com/EIGyntJzU5
— emma brown (@emmersbrown) June 4, 2014
Speaking to the Washington Post afterwards, Cahall said it felt “like a ton of bricks lifted”.
He added: “I’ve hid all my life… In this community, with these kids, I’d be a big hypocrite if I didn’t speak my truth.”
16-year-old Marla Solow, who helped organise the event, said: “I feel really proud of him, even though obviously he’s an adult. I teared up… if it inspires other people to come out, that’s great.”
17-year-old queer senior Tao Marwell said: “I have so much respect for him to be able to do that. It’s a very brave thing to do.”
