A Canadian school district is standing behind a biologically male teacher whose wearing of massive prosthetic breasts created an online furor, according to a new report.
Pictures and video circulating online show the shop teacher using a table saw and teaching students while wearing the enormous fake bust, complete with prominent nipples. The teacher has since been identified as Kayla Lemieux, and works at Oakville Trafalgar High School in Ontario, according to Reduxx, which obtained an email the district sent to parents regarding the issue.
“We are aware of discussion on social media and in the media regarding Oakville Trafalgar High School,” read the note to parents. “We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate to our community that we are committed to establishing and maintaining a safe, caring, inclusive, equitable and welcoming learning and working environment for all students and staff.”
This person is reportedly a teacher in @HaltonDSB pic.twitter.com/qwGLv2PBRm
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) September 16, 2022
Although the email did not mention Lemieux by name, it appeared to defend the teacher’s right to wear the bizarre prosthetic as a matter of “gender expression.”
“We strive to promote a positive learning environment in schools consistent with the values of the HDSB and to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all students, staff and the community, regardless of race, age, ability, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, cultural observance, socioeconomic circumstances or body type/size,” the email continued.
Video of Lemieux wearing the bogus bosom under a tight top with shorts or a skirt were posted by Libs of TikTok and others and initially prompted suspicion of a joke or hoax.
Viral images of a trans teacher wearing oversized breasts that sag to the waist have been investigated by @ReduxxMag. The tech teacher is “Kayla Lemieux,” of Oakville Trafalgar High School in Ontario, Canada. The school stands by its teacher. https://t.co/jtBWfpIhyN
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) September 17, 2022
Many took to trying to get the attention of the Ontario Minister of Education, and the Premier of the province, Doug Ford.
Oakville Trafalgar High School is overseen by the Halton District School Board (HDSB), which heavily promotes radical gender theory, according to Reduxx, an independent, pro-feminist news site. A year ago, the school district released guidelines regarding Gender Identity and Gender Expression in Schools.
HDSB Chair Margo Shuttleworth told the Toronto Sun that staff are concerned about Lemieux’s safety on Monday when classes resume.
“There will the protesters and the anti-protesters,” said Shuttleworth. “I do know there have been phone calls made to the school that haven’t been the most pleasant in nature.”
“This teacher is an extremely effective teacher,” said Shuttleworth. “All the kids really love being in the class.”
Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story identified the teacher by the wrong pre-transition name.