A California high school teacher will be returning from spring break expressing her true gender identity for the first time, according to reports.
Karen Adell Scot, who was previously known as Gary Sconce, has been teaching science and multimedia at Yosemite High School for 24 years and has received the Eastman Kodak Award for excellence in teaching. She has also written nine feature films and produced two feature films that were shown in theatres.
Superintendent James Sargent of the Yosemite Unified School District wrote to the parents of Yosemite High School’s student population of about 650 informing them of Scot’s transition.
Sargent quoted from California Education Code 220, which states that no one shall be subject to discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression or sexual orientation. The letter also informed parents that counseling services would be available to any students who wanted to discuss any issues, and that Sargeant and Yosemite High School’s Principal Randy Seals would be available to answer any questions from parents or guardians.
Scot’s decision to come out has been met with mixed responses. In a published Letter to the editor of the Sierra Star, community member Kathi Bales said “”I see this as an assault on the minds and morals of our children. It blurs the lines of what is right and wrong.”
Scot informed her colleagues about her struggles in a letter, stating: “Being transgender is not a choice,
“Consider: I have lost my marriage of 35 years to a magnificent, brilliant woman, am going to lose my house, and am spending (money) on serious and painful physical changes — including both medical and psychological services.
“I have been shunned by those who used to be my friends, have been shunned by family, have had people try to cast demons out of me, have left my church of nearly 30 years, and have been scorned and laughed at by those who had for decades said they were my friends. Who would choose that?”
Scot reportedly chose the name ‘Karen Adell’ because it’s what her mother would have named her if she’d been assigned female at birth, while she chose the last name ‘Scot’ to make it easier for people, as ‘Sconce’ usually gets confused as ‘Scot’.
“I knew I was a girl from my first self-aware thoughts,” Scot said, “and I tried desperately each morning to wake up each morning as a female small child and it never worked.”
Yosemite High School Principal Randy Seals reportedly held a staff meeting to discuss Scot’s transition. “We have to make sure all employees’ rights are protected.” he said.
“This is a unique situation, one that challenges traditional ideas, philosophies, and belief systems for many people. We want to encourage parents and families to sit together to discuss the issues surrounding this situation with their children.” he also said.
Stephanie Samuels, a counselor at the school and coordinator of the International Baccalaureate program said “everyone has the right to be who they are and sometimes that can be difficult to understand, but we always want to show respect.”
Ilona Turner, legal director at Oakland’s Transgender Law Centre, said When transgender people are able to be themselves at work, they’re able to do their jobs more effectively,” Turner said. “It can be a very serious burden to have to hide who you are at work every single day and that evidently takes a toll on your effectiveness.”
In her letter to colleagues, Scot said it was a relief to be able to finally express her true gender. “As my real self, Karen Scot, I feel in comprehensible joy. Please join me in celebrating that joy.”
Sophie Joske
