Nikos Giannopoulos was selected as Rhode Island's Teacher of the Year, and so he took a trip to the White House last week to receive his honor. Giannopoulos snapped a photo with the President and the First Lady and it quickly went viral—simultaneously confirming that he truly does lead by example.
Holding a fan, wearing a rainbow LGBTQ pin, and standing next to Donald Trump, Giannopoulos captioned the photo, "Rhode Island Teacher of the Year 2017 meets the 45th President of the United States. That's all."
Afterwards, Giannopoulos explained the meaning behind his fashion statement. "The issue with being openly queer in our existence is constantly politicized. They never stop to think: Oh, maybe that's just who I am," says Giannopoulus. Considering Trump's White House has—so far—revoked the rights of transgender individuals, and has hired an adviser that's cool with conversion therapy, Giannopoulos is certainly making an important statement by posing next to the President.
Giannopoulous elaborated in another interview, "The fan represents self-acceptance and being unabashedly myself in a society that's not always ready to accept that."
How did the President respond? "Trump complimented it right away...And he told me I had great style."
Ultimately, Giannopoulos' decision to strike a visibly queer pose next to President Trump makes an important statement for LGBTQ people everywhere. Regardless of policies and prejudice, it's important to be true to yourself, and dress however you want.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Amy Mackelden is a freelance writer, editor, and disability activist. Her bylines include Harper's BAZAAR, Nicki Swift, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, ELLE, The Independent, Bustle, Healthline, and HelloGiggles. She co-edited The Emma Press Anthology of Illness, and previously spent all of her money on Kylie Cosmetics.
-
Everything I’m Packing for a Weekend in LA
From a cozy pair of sweatpants to a chic jumpsuit.
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
Princess Diana’s Brother Earl Charles Spencer Speaks Out on the Kate Middleton Drama: “I Do Worry About What Happened to the Truth”
He also weighed in on whether the media frenzy was worse in the 1990s with Diana or in the present day with Kate.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Both Kim Kardashian and Blake Lively Appeared to Spoof the Kate Middleton Photoshop Scandal Over the Weekend
Yep, they went there.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
By Brooke Knappenberger Last updated
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If Reelected
Kathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
By Emily Tisch Sussman Last updated
-
Why the 2022 Midterm Elections Are So Critical
As we blaze through a highly charged midterm election season, Swing Left Executive Director Yasmin Radjy highlights rising stars who are fighting for women’s rights.
By Tanya Benedicto Klich Published
-
Tammy Duckworth: 'I’m Mad as Hell' About the Lack of Federal Action on Gun Safety
The Illinois Senator won't let the memory of the Highland Park shooting just fade away.
By Sen. Tammy Duckworth Published
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.
Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
By Beth Silvers and Sarah Stewart Holland, hosts of Pantsuit Politics Podcast Published
-
The Supreme Court's Mississippi Abortion Rights Case: What to Know
The case could threaten Roe v. Wade.
By Megan DiTrolio Published
-
Sex Trafficking Victims Are Being Punished. A New Law Could Change That.
Victims of sexual abuse are quietly criminalized. Sara's Law protects kids that fight back.
By Dr. Devin J. Buckley and Erin Regan Published
-
My Family and I Live in Navajo Nation. We Don't Have Access to Clean Running Water
"They say that the United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Why are citizens still living with no access to clean water?"
By Amanda L. As Told To Rachel Epstein Published