President Trump Melania Trump Nikos Giannopoulos
 
LGBT advocates are celebrating a gay teacher’s meeting with President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump in the Oval Office in April.

Rhode Island teacher of the year Nikos Giannopoulos posted a photo of their meeting on his Facebook page on Thursday. The photo garnered over 15,000 ‘likes’ and shares by Friday.

In the photo, Giannopoulos strikes a pose with a black lace fan while wearing a gay rainbow pin “among other meaningful accessories,” according to Time magazine.

Reflecting the current anti-Trump attitude in the gay community, Giannopoulos did not name the president in his post. Instead, he wrote: “When I think back to my time in the White House, I will not remember the person seated at the desk.”

Conservatives used the photo op as proof positive that Mr. Trump is an ally of the gay community. But others criticized the teacher for “sexualizing” the decorum of the Oval Office.

President Trump’s body language shows some discomfort in Mr. Giannopoulos’ overtly gay posture.

There’s nothing wrong with showing pride in one’s chosen lifestyle. The gay lifestyle is unique with its own rich culture, language, attitude, fashion and props.

But there’s a time and a place for everything. The Oval Office is not a gay pride parade.

Critics are correct to ask if Giannopoulos won teacher of the year for his educational leadership or because he’s gay?