Kelsey Fjell-Walton

Biology teacher Kelsey Fjell-Walton doesn’t just spend her days teaching her students; she also works to ensure that they feel included and safe while navigating high school.

Having grown up in Wyoming, Fjell was never truly introduced to the idea of being queer and struggled to come out to her family. In her classroom, Fjell aims to create a much more positive and welcoming environment.

“Regardless of where you come from, what your background is, what you do, who you love — no one judges you for that, “ Fjell said. 

Fjell hopes that her confidence in who she is will help her students have someone to look up to and be more comfortable with themselves. 

“I feel like I actually have a responsibility to you know, not hide that part of myself with my students because it’s not anything to be ashamed of,” Fjell said. “And I want my students to see themselves in me and know that it’s okay to fully accept who you are.”

Fjell saw an opportunity to share the history of this month through National Coming Out day. She also shared her coming out story with her students as she knew it could help them feel more comfortable with themselves and their stories. 

“I felt comfortable with my classes. I knew that I would be received just fine,” Fjell said. “And I spotlighted Ruth Gates who was a out lesbian at the top of her field.” 

Fjell underscored that by sharing her story with her students, she is working to create the next generation of allies. 

“Young people have the power of keeping marriage equality around and just providing more safe spaces, more opportunities, more queer spaces for people,” Fjell said.