A gay drama teacher publicly told a mother who had banned her children from his class that theatre without homosexuality is like “cooking without spices”.
Michael Neri, 26, sent the text message after the woman said she would take her children out of his Talking Props theatre school because she had “recently learned of your lifestyle”.
“As a Christian I cannot allow my children to be influenced by unconventional ideas,” she told him.
“It is our belief that a man should marry a woman. I look forward to receiving my deposit.”
In response, Mr Neri said his sexuality did not impinge on his teaching ability.
“I hear [rival theatre school] StageCoach are enrolling,” he added, “but their teachers have been known to wear mixed fabrics which I’m sure you are aware is forbidden in the Bible.
“Please feel free to come to our musical. Confetti will be used in the finale but please rest assured this is not an attempt to corrupt your Christian lifestyle.
“Deposits are non-refundable, but don’t worry – your deposit has been donated to Stonewall, an LGBT charity.”
Mr Neri, of Birmingham, told the Standard the “cooking without spices” comment had been conceived in the heat of the moment.
The Bible makes some valid points but it’s out of date. Otherwise, we would all be forbidden to wear polyester
<p>Michael Neri</p>
“I had to read her message twice,” he said.
“It was a little hurtful at first to receive that – more so because I was being judged on something that was nothing to do with my professionalism or ability to teach drama.
“I grew up in a religious background – my mum was a studying Jehovah’s Witness so I knew what I was talking about.
“This lady is more than entitled to her opinions. I wanted to give her my opinion, but not disrespect her – she’s entitled to her faith.”
Mr Neri said he had not expected the text message to go viral, but was pleasantly surprised when a screengrab he posted online racked up hundreds of thousands of shares and attracted international messages of support.
“I did try to give her a courtesy call when I realised how viral things were getting,” he said, “but she hasn’t responded.
“I feel she needs to update her way of thinking. The Bible makes some valid points but it’s out of date. Otherwise, we would all be forbidden to wear polyester.
“You can’t help who you fall in love with.
“I’ve had messages from all over the world from people sharing their stories and saying how much support it has given them.
“I never thought I would be someone who helps others so far away.”
