I handed the paper to the head of school and she glanced at me before taking it. She read through it quickly and then invited me to sit down.
"I take it you are giving me this to read for a reason," she said with a kind tone. "Does it involve one of your students?"
I shook my head and sat down, feeling ill.
"The person mentioned in the letter and now in the paper, Tim Cornish. He..."
I had to take a deep breath then.
"He's my partner. My boyfriend."
I looked up at her then but she seemed to have no reaction to it.
"You're worried your name will be in the papers too and they will mention the University," she summed up and gave me a reassuring smile.
"Yes. It isn't exactly common knowledge. Only a few close friends and some family know. I didn't want to lose my job," I said bitterly. She had a look of surprise then.
"Ivo, I can assure you that we do not live in medieval times. You would not lose your job because of your sexuality. Not on my watch," she stated firmly. "To be honest I'm disgusted that you have felt the need to be so private about it because of societal pressure."
"As for this," she gestured to the paper. "I'm sure the University can handle it. Neither you nor your partner are in the wrong and we will most definitely stand behind you in this. I shall arrange for another tutor to cover your classes until next Thursday and you will receive full holiday pay. I've heard Devon is lovely this time of year," she smiled.
I felt like I could hug her.
"I'm sure your students will understand that their lecture has been cancelled this afternoon. I'm sure you are eager to get home."
"Thank you," I said earnestly as I stood.
"Anytime, Ivo."