By John Mack Freeman (Thanks to Ann Symons for the tip)
Trans rights figure Lily McBeth passed away this week at age 80. McBeth was well known for transitioning at age 70 in 2005 from male to female while employed as a substitute teacher by several school systems in New Jersey. Upon returning, McBeth’s transition attracted national attention. Although this angered some parents, the school systems stood behind McBeth, reinstating her and defending their choices. Via The New York Times:
School administrators defended their decision, saying Ms. McBeth was a good teacher who had received positive evaluations in five years of substitute teaching. They said her rehiring was mandated by New Jersey civil rights laws.
Some parents took Ms. McBeth’s side. “There’s really nothing to fear because a person is transgender,†said Karina Mari, the mother of three school-age children.
