I have a bit of a positive note, if we don't mind taking a bit of a U-turn.

I teach at the post-secondary level, and a couple of things have come up. I grew out my ridiculous mustache for Movember, and told my class that this year they're adding depression and other mental illnesses to the list of issues to talk about. I've lost both a family member and a childhood friend? to depression; it kills people. One of my students approached me and told me they were struggling with depression and told me that since my mustache showed I was friendly about mental health issues, they wondered if they should drop or if they could get more time for their assignments. (They would get an F as it was too late to drop to a W) I let them know that the school has programs and safety nets for students that are going through this, just talk to the dean and get a note on your file. Email me so I have a paper trail and you get an extension. I gave them a hug one class too, as they looked like they were about to break down in tears. They're sitting at an A- in the class right now. Bright kid.

And just after whathis-name got elected in the US, we were talking about secure email. I mentioned that in some countries you can get killed for having non-cis genders, so it's not just a meaningless thing to do. Or if they're in the US in a right-to-work state, maybe you want to hide your same-sex partners from the prying eyes of your boss. One of the students started wearing more makeup than they might if they were cis. (I don't know or really care what their gender is.) I don't know if that's coincidence but I like to think they felt a little safer in my class and maybe in life.

But what do I know, I'm just a simple tailor.