Southern. Gay. Teacher.

by Randy Fair

The South as a region has proven to be resistant to the idea of LGBTQ teachers. Some Southerners, including prominent politicians, have gone as far as asserting that it should be against the law for LGBTQ people to teach. This memoir chronicles the changes that Randy Fair witnessed in his over forty years of experience, both as a teacher and student, in the school systems of the South.

Fair explores his experiences of overcoming his homophobic, conservative, and chaotic upbringing through the help of his teachers. He also tracks his own evolution as a gay teacher. From threats by administrators, distrust from homophobic students, and challenges by students, both gay and straight, who desperately needed more openness surrounding the issues of concern for LGBTQ people, Fair examines the difficulties he faced as a gay teacher in the South.

Fair's teaching experiences also bring up issues of concern for both current and prospective teachers. Which parts of a teacher's life are public and which are private? What right does a teacher have to engage in politics and activism? How much of a teacher's beliefs are consciously or subconsciously embedded in the curriculum and the classroom experience? Through the examination of Fair's thirty years as a teacher, readers can examine more deeply the many roles and identities that a teacher must constantly confront.

Genres: LGBT, Nonfiction

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2020

Reviews

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teaching is a tough gig no matter one’s background—this book fills a tremendous gap in both educational and LGBTQ related literature. In pre-service and graduate-level teacher education programs, students read scholarly studies related to multicultural, special needs, and gifted learners; however, LGBTQ literature is the missing link in those curriculums. Just like educators encounter various learning styles in their diverse and growing classrooms, they will encounter LGBTQ students and must learn how to diplomatically and tactfully approach those scholars to create a learning environment where said individuals can thrive—particularly in the difficult confine for many that is high school. Dr. Fair’s candid anecdotes magnify the vitality of understanding. No matter one’s race, class, gender, sexual orientation, etc., individuals need to steadfastly and bravely adhere to their beliefs—and pursue them to help better others’ existence. Just as Dr. Fair’s bold and courageous actions in the educational landscape improved the lives of many LGBTQ—and many students of all backgrounds—we finish this memoir encouraged to carry the torch in being candid, being authentic, and being kind in how we develop connections with others. As Audre Lorde stated, “When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” Let us dare to be powerful and move forth with a clear vision, as Randy Fair, and pursue what’s right for others fearlessly.

[Jane Ellington Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fluid, flat
Gay, straight
Read this book.

[Ross Friedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Randy Fair’s “Southern. Gay. Teacher.” is an illuminating journey of struggle and courage fought by the author from his childhood in rural Alabama through his decades of teaching in suburban Atlanta public schools. As a teaching colleague of Randy’s in one of those schools, I was mostly unaware of the difficulties a gay teacher faced continually from parents, administrators, and students and how Randy worked diligently and thoughtfully to overcome the overt and more subtle prejudices he encountered.
At a time when racial discrimination was the primary concern in the schools, Dr. Fair shows us how an even more insidious prejudice existed and how the efforts of one courageous person could raise awareness and effect change. I am proud that Randy is my friend, and I found his writing lucid, entertaining and quick-paced and his story compelling of a battle that must continue to be fought.

[Judy Hammack · Rating 5 out of 5]

From bootlegger’s grandson to PhD credentialed teacher, Randy Fair kept this reader turning the pages of his memoir Southern. Gay. Teacher. Dr. Fair’s story of small town Alabama are heartwarming—and heart-wrenching--as he came of age as gay in rural America. Moving from Alabama to Atlanta, Dr. Fair chronicles his 30 years as a public school teacher with clarity and commitment to his craft. His students were lucky to have a teacher who taught with erudition as well as heart. Even though this book is perfect for a teacher preparation curriculum, I find its importance lies in the insight Dr. Fair shares on prejudices. Fair honestly addresses his own prejudices and encourages readers to examine their own. Bravo, Dr. Fair. Thank you for your courageous account.

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading Southern. Gay. Teacher. was an intensely emotional experience for me, because I myself am one of Randy's LGBTQ former students from "Dryden" High School, and because he was and still is, unequivocally, the best and most influential teacher I have ever had in my entire educational career. He was also the only openly, clearly LGBTQ adult I had in my life until I graduated and attended college. In the opening pages of this book, he describes the teachers who helped him make it through high school in small town Alabama as a young gay man, feeling isolated and alone. Randy was that for me, but even more so: he was a bright light among a dark and seemingly endless swathe of straight teachers who seemed, if not openly repulsed, at least uncomfortable when the subject of being gay came up. Although my experience of growing up gay in the South was so much safer and less fearful than his own must have been, I still felt isolation and judgment from many of my straight peers; I still knew myself to be different in a way that, even in the late 2000s and early 2010s, made many people in the South hate me on (biblical) principle. To see and be seen by an adult who I knew to be like myself made an immeasurable difference to my high school experience, my sense of self, and my sense of possibility for my future. (Without having taken Randy's class first, I certainly could not have borne the discomfort of then taking a class with the miserable teacher whose concerted homophobic efforts ultimately drove him to leave the school altogether.)

This book is an invaluable piece of Southern gay history and I'm so glad that Randy sought out the opportunity to publish it. His writing is excellent and eminently engaging, and I tore through this book in less than a day - which I'm almost never interested enough to do these days. It chronicles his hard and vital (and frequently thankless) work to make a difference for the LGBTQ teens, like me, who couldn't or didn't know how to make a difference for ourselves. Knowing now, after reading this, all the hardship, scrutiny, and homophobia that Randy had to fight against just to be what he was for myself and other gay students - and to make a positive impact on the attitudes of straight students, and on prejudiced students of myriad types - makes me appreciate him all the more. I leave this book inspired to be more like Randy: compassionate, dedicated, and ready to fight the long and hard fight for what's right.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a hard time putting my feelings about this book into words. Suffice to say, I would not be the person I am today without having had Dr. Fair as a teacher. I became a teacher myself in part due to the experiences my friends and I had at Dryden high school. From a student’s perspective, Dr. Fair was always very guarded in what he shared with us, and it wasn’t until reading this book that I really understood why, or the extent of his activism and the positive impact he had beyond our school.

Dr. Fair’s writing is beautiful, and can I just say that I miss the way he used to use the word “salacious”? When he described something with that adjective part way through the book, it gave me such a feeling of nostalgia. Reading this book was like being back in his classroom, except no one was telling me to “settle,” and Dr. Fair could finally be honest. He manages to pack so much into his writing -- I sat down and read it in a little less than three hours. Once I started, I had to finish it. Absolutely fascinating and hugely important piece of writing!

I highly recommend this book to anyone, but especially to straight, early career teachers. I think that we have a lot to learn from Dr. Fair about how to treat all our students, and especially our LGBTQ+ students. I have had a few students come out to me in the short time that I’ve been teaching and I can tell by the way they approach it that it’s still not something that they can always trust an adult will be receptive to.

Dr. Fair taught me a lot about empathy, and his mention towards the end about how students notice how teachers respond to the weakest students was something that he really lived by. During high school, I struggled a lot. While I doubt that Dr. Fair remembers this, on Valentine’s Day the year I was in his class, the teachers were all given goody bags from the PTO. In it, there was a little plastic bumble bee that said “Bee Mine,” and for some reason, I wanted it. I teasingly asked for it, and he told me no, but at the end of class, he gave it to me anyways. It was a kind gesture and it was something that stuck with me. I held onto that bee, carrying it in my backpack during student teaching, and keeping it in my top desk drawer at school when I got my own classroom. For me, it’s a reminder of how the small gestures a teacher makes can have a lasting impact and all the lessons I learned from Dr. Fair as a student. Getting to learn from him again by reading this book was a really special treat.

[Lisa Ethridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is educational and insightful. For experienced or neophyte teachers, it's a must read. The high school milieu has always been tough to torturous for gay students. The author's anecdotes spark empathy and encourage readers to be more sensitive and responsive to the needs of young people who are questioning or defining their sexual orientation. There are many practical suggestions for classroom management and approaches to improving the understanding and acceptance of diversity of all kinds.
Southern. Gay. Teacher. provides a first-person account of decades of struggles undertaken to ensure equal rights and liberation for members of the LGBTQ community. After reading this book, people of all ages and all walks of life will have a better appreciation for the persistence and determination it took create momentum and solidify a movement to ensure basic human rights for LGBTQ individuals.
I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to reading more by this author.

[Danice · Rating 5 out of 5]

After IMpatiently awaiting my preordered copy of Southern.Gay.Teacher., I devoured it in two days. Full disclosure- I know Randy Fair. I had the extreme honor of teaching with Randy Fair. I did NOT know much of what he shares in his memoir. Randy is one of the best teachers I ever encountered in my 30+ years of teaching; he now ranks as possibly the most courageous.
Read this book. Randy’s perseverance, conviction, passion, and bravery as a gay man navigating the field of education (both as a student and a teacher) is inspiring to anyone - gay, straight, whatever.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply put, this book blew me away. I wanted to read it because it chronicles Randy Fair’s 30-year teaching career as a gay man in the Atlanta public school system. Dr. Fair was my AP Language Arts teacher during my junior year of high school and he was honestly one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. I loved Rhetoric Fridays, when the class talked about a current event going on and we all had the chance to express our different opinions in an engaging discussion. I also just loved Dr. Fair’s quirky personality and character.

Through many anecdotes and insights in his memoir, Dr. Fair highlights the struggles that LGBTQ+ students and teachers face in the educational system. Dr. Fair talks about instances of harassment he deals with from administration, parents, students and fellow colleagues, which really opened my eyes to a prejudice just as bad as racial discrimination. Dr. Fair talks a lot about gender studies and pronouns as well, another subject which I had not known that much about beforehand. Moreover, Fair was instrumental in starting Atlanta’s chapter of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. What I learned throughout all of these stories was that Fair was an activist — he never backed down from standing up for justness and equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.

I would really recommend this book to everyone. It talks about many of Fair’s activities beyond the classroom and it is a manual for teachers in how to always put their best foot forward in the classroom by treating students equally. The only critique I have for this book is that it did end a bit abruptly. Dr. Fair just finishes his book with talking about his time at my high school, and didn’t really write a conclusion after that. But besides that, Dr. Fair’s writing is straightforward and concise and I enjoyed reading about his teaching experiences in the South. Dr. Fair pursued his vision steadfastly and bravely, which is what I think we should all aim to do. The world is a better place because of teachers like Dr. Fair.

[Vlferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randy Fair’s Southern. Gay. Teacher. is a must read for any Individual who goes into the teaching profession. For me the title says it all because the use of periods after each word makes a declarative thought. Let that sink in. What pictures does the word Southern conjure up? Gay? Teacher? The three words are incongruent today and even more so 33 years ago.

Also, the use of the use of the period makes it clear that none of the three descriptors are a choice. Each word is its own kind of prison that threatens to lock Randy up in the closet until he chokes to death. If Randy were a weaker individual, he might have suffocated in the closet, but he not only finds his way out of the closet , he becomes a role model for his students and, indeed, his colleagues. His memoir records what it was like for Randy as he struggled to overcome his conservative rearing

Born and raised in Alabama during the George Wallace era, Randy found himself trapped in the small Southern town that afforded him no role models until Mr. Fincher became a teacher in his school. Randy met someone who might be gay. Someone with whom he could identify---someone who was a “regular” person in spite of the possibility of being gay. Dr. Fair becomes the teacher with whom the LGBTQ students can identify.

Randy Fair was a brave teacher often risking his livelihood to do the right thing. He made administrators nervous, but he preserved. He helped people who subtly discriminated against those that were different overcome their prejudices. He stood up in the face of unfair treatment for students. His Memoir Southern. Gay. Teacher. depicts Dr. Fair’s journey from small town Southern boy to an advocate for LGBTQ students. Randy Fair was an excellent teacher and friend and role model.

[Vlferguson]

Randy Fair’s Southern. Gay. Teacher. is a must read for any Individual who goes into the teaching profession. For me the title says it all because the use of periods after each word makes a declarative thought. Let that sink in. What pictures does the word Southern conjure up? Gay? Teacher? The three words are incongruent today and even more so 33 years ago.

Also, the use of the use of the period makes it clear that none of the three descriptors are a choice. Each word is its own kind of prison that threatens to lock Randy up in the closet until he chokes to death. If Randy were a weaker individual, he might have suffocated in the closet, but he not only finds his way out of the closet , he becomes a role model for his students and, indeed, his colleagues. His memoir records what it was like for Randy as he struggled to overcome his conservative rearing

Born and raised in Alabama during the George Wallace error, Randy found himself trapped in the small Southern town that afforded him no role models until Mr. Fincher became a teacher in his school. Randy met someone who might be gay. Someone with whom he could identify---someone who was a “regular” person in spite of the possibility of being gay. Dr. Fair becomes the teacher with whom the LGBTQ students can identify.

Randy Fair was a brave teacher often risking his livelihood to do the right thing. He made administrators nervous, but he preserved. He helped people who subtly discriminated against those that were different overcome their prejudices. He stood up in the face of unfair treatment for students. His Memoir Southern. Gay. Teacher. depicts Dr. Fair’s journey from small town Southern boy to an advocate for LGBTQ students. Randy Fair was an excellent teacher and friend and role model.

[EZ E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminded me of how important the teaching profession is to the development of individuals and society. The quality of writing was apparent from the beginning. It is not filled with flowery, unfamiliar words, but targeted to contemporary adult readers.

I enjoyed the introductory chapters where we gain an appreciation of the author’s childhood, the events, and people that shaped his life. It is a fine touch that the author highlights the teachers who contributed to his own personal development.

The remainder of the book is filled with short remembrances of his experiences while teaching. At one point, I felt that these individual stories were becoming tedious. After a bit of reflection I concluded that this is a good representation of what it must feel like to be a teacher. A teacher is presented with multiple classes, 35+ students per class, every day, over a career. Each interaction having the possibility of shaping someone’s life.

I enjoyed reading this book as each antidote provided the opportunity to reflect. In some cases, I was able to recall an event from the Atlanta perspective. Other times, I found myself pondering what would I have done if faced with a similar situation. Whether you are an educator, parent, LGBTQ person, or just curious, you will be able to learn from Dr. Fair.

[Craig White · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most important books I’ve read this year. Dr. Randy Fair’s memoir stretches from his own school years in rural Alabama to his career as an English teacher in Georgia. A personal story that is highly influenced by local and national events, it provides important perspectives on how far we have come, and how far many Southern schools still need to go, in how our public education systems treat teachers who are LGBTQ. On every other page, I found myself saying ‘I remember when that happened,’ or ‘That same thing happened to me,’ or ‘I still meet teachers who are dealing with that now.’ I would recommend this book to students and youth who cannot imagine the challenges of organizing, community-building, or even finding accurate information about LGBTQ lives and issues in the time before cell phones and the internet… for LGBTQ teachers and educators who want to know that someone else has experienced what you’re going through… and for allies of all ages who believe that schools should be places where all students should be safe and receive a quality education, and all staff should be treated with respect.

[Jackie Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southern. Gay. Teacher. is a must read for ALL teachers and administrators, not just gay school employees. Dr. Fair lets us in on what goes on in schools and classrooms that I'm sure is largely unknown to the general public, and in my case, even unknown to many teachers and administrators working in schools today. How courageous of Dr. Fair to speak so candidly about his experiences, many of which must have cut him to the bone. Be prepared to be moved to tears by many of his anecdotes. While this book is about the experiences of a gay teacher in the South, it's also very much about what it means to be an activist for issues of great importance today. Dr. Fair provides us lessons, intentional or not, about how to stand up for what we believe in and how to address those in power, all while going about the business of everyday work. While most teachers go into teaching with the goal of "making a difference," I feel certain that Dr. Fair has retired knowing that he reached that goal and more. Read Southern. Gay. Teacher. You won't be disappointed.

[Mary Westney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to have Dr. Fair as my AP Literature teacher my senior year at "Dryden" High School. Every day I looked forward to his class knowing there would be a great combination of humor but also honest, rigorous teaching. I had no idea at the time that Dr. Fair was also struggling with harassment and drama from parents and administrators and as a result, I was very surprised to learn this as a I read Southern. Gay. Teacher. As a teacher myself I know how much effort it takes to put on a happy face every day, especially when there are other issues going on in your life outside of the classroom. The fact that Dr. Fair provided us with such a solid, collegiate-level education in the midst of other issues he faced is just remarkable. I am very thankful to have the opportunity to learn more about his life.

[Ty Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is told from the perspective of a gay southern teacher and the trials he experienced in his education and his experiences educating high school students. I thought the book was an excellent book to help you evaluate your own thoughts about sexuality. Having taught 23 years, I found myself thinking through difficult situations that happened through the years. Just because you have a homosexual thought does not make you a homosexual. The book discusses several different types of students he encountered through the years. The author went out of his way during his teaching career to accept all children and not push his personal life style on his students-which most heterosexual teachers fear.

[Gregg Holloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southern, Gay. Teacher. is a story that not only speaks to academics, but finds an audience in all of us as human beings. Dr. Fair's story details the battles fought by a gay teacher from the 1980's into the new millennium. However, it shines a light on much deserved triumphs through hard work and determination. This story is as current today as it was over the decades it spans. I loved this book. I know all readers will walk away with a further example (and better understanding) of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community. It shows what one man can accomplish and how far we still have to go.

[Lauren P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southern. Gay. Teacher. gives us a revealing and insightful look at what it was like to come of age during an often intolerant era in an often intolerant place. In his memoir, Fair provides an honest account of his experiences from childhood through his thirty years in education. I found myself absolutely captivated by Fair’s candid story of growing up in the South. His inspirational memoir also exposes some of the very difficult, complicated situations that educators regularly navigate. After leaving the classroom where he inspired and encouraged so many students and teachers alike over the years, he continues to do so through Southern. Gay. Teacher.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible memoir of one of the finest gay educators of today. A heartfelt tribute to all those LGBTQ+ teachers who've helped pave the way for a more open public educational system. A candid, raw, and honest portrayal of what it was like growing up in the South (USA) and gay; a gay man's educational journey through the Atlanta public school system. A must-read for all educator and their students!

[Willie Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Fair’s book was truly amazing. It is one of few books that I re read in a longtime. As a teacher, I related to a lot in this book. Additionally, I learned a lot about myself. I truly recommend this book for everyone to read — educators and non educators.

Dr. Fair wrote this book from his heart and the sincerity of it shows.

I STRONGLY recommend this book

[Tori Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would highly recommend this book as it provides insight into Dr. Fair’s experience with teaching and his challenges with discrimination. As a former student, Dr. Fair’s class was one that I will never forget and his book highlights many of the reasons why.

[Miranda Fair]

Written so well and provides insight into prevailing prejudice of our time. A real eye opener of the struggles faced to be true to yourself. Kudos Randy, you are a brave soul.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As an educator and supporter of LGBTQIA this book had a lot of wonderful points about the struggles those in the LGBTQIA community face, whether an adult in the workplace or a teenager just trying to make it through school. this memoir references a lot of interesting books that I am interested in seeking out, is full of great quotes, and really shows how to stand up to discrimination (of any kind).

I am not much of a memoir reader, but this one was brilliant and educational, a well-told perspective.

[Helen Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great perspective on the challenges teachers face when engaging with their teenage students and how to prioritize inclusivitiy.

[Rachel Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Randy Fair was my AP Language teacher at “Dryden” high school years ago, so of course I jumped at the opportunity to read his memoir. Southern. Gay. Teacher. was a compelling read from start to finish - not only because he was my teacher, but because it was eye-opening to read about the struggles he faced as a teacher and a member of the LGBTQ community in the south. I loved reading about his activism in the LGBTQ community and the various students he taught that he made an impact on (and vice versa!).

I was incredibly disappointed to read about the administrator that harassed him at “Dryden” high school and made him want to leave the school. I’m unfortunately not shocked that that sort of behavior was tolerated at the school, as the “Dryden” community is quite conservative. It makes me sad that future students do not get to experience one of the most impactful classes I’ve ever taken.

Dr. Fair is one of the first adults in my teenage years that made me realize I had liberal views in such a conservative area. He challenged my ways of thinking during his “Rhetoric Friday” discussions and helped me understand different points of views. He was undoubtedly one of the best teachers I’ve ever had and I’m so grateful that he touched so many lives during his years of teaching.

[Carmen Montero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Fair was my favorite teacher I’ve ever had. When I found out he had a book, I couldn’t wait to read it. I had no idea how much Dr. Fair did for the queer community in Atlanta, and in the public school system. I know there are so many students who feel equally touched by Dr. Fair’s philosophy encouraging students to feel welcome and encouraging them to think critically. These sentiments came across in his book.

[Baroness Ekat · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 but I rounded up.

I received an ARC of this book back in 2020 and only just now finally got around to reading it. I'm glad I read it and mad that I didn't read it sooner.

This is the memoir of Randy Fair who taught high school in the Atlanta region in the 80's and 90's. This book shows how he fought to be treated as a human, protected his students and gave voice to the marginalized.

Personally I would like to thank Mr. Fair for what he did and how he helped all those students.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

LGBTQ History

It's so important to hear about the experiences of previous generations. This book helped me understand and appreciate what queer educators went through to protect themselves and their queer students. I also love the credit given to allies who have supported our community.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poignant and well written.