30. 08. 10. - 16:15

Transsexual allowed to teach

Austria’s first transsexual teacher has been given the all clear to work by the education ministry after a sex change operation.

The man turned woman named only as Walter S. caused outcry among some parents by informing her  students via e-mail at a polytechnic in Vienna-Margareten that she will be a woman when everyone returns for the new term next week.

The 58-year-old, who now calls herself Andrea, said today (Mon): "I’ve always felt like a girl, later like a woman. The sex change surgery I underwent recently was only a consequent step."

Now the federal education ministry has confirmed Walter S. will not be dismissed or suspended over the surgery. "Schools are home to tolerance, not discrimination," the statement said.

Walter S., a married father of one, said she told her wife only last year about her sexual orientation – after she discovered her secret passion for wearing women’s clothes.

Martha said: "I was shocked at first and though about getting divorced. But then I started meditating, and I found strengths in Buddhism. Now we live in a ‘lesbian partnership’. I had to let Walter go and took on Andrea instead."