I'm Paul Patrick, an openly gay teacher since 1974 when I became the first teacher in Britain to come out to students and retain their job. Also in 1974 I co-founded the Gay Teachers' Group, now Schools OUT - www.schools-out.org.uk - of which I am currently Co-Chair. I am also Co-Chair of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Trans History Month UK Steering Group - www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk. I teach English & Theatre Studies. I also work in PHSE, particularly sexuality education. I have been published by the Open University, Tretham Books and Multilingual Matters and interviewed in the Guardian, Times Ed, The Teacher, Gay news, The Observer and many others. I am an active Trades Unionist - currently being President of Rossendale NUT, Equal Opportunities Officer for Lancashire NUT & a member of NUT LGBT Working Party. As well as teaching, I am a writer, trainer, speaker and broadcaster. I have been a foster parent and I remain a socialist in difficult times!

I am sorry to have to tell you that Paul died last week from a lung condition. He was only 57 years old.