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.
Being openly queer is constantly politicized. They never stop to think: Oh, maybe that's just who I am.
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.
-
Our Complete Quiet Luxury Shopping Guide30 quality closet classics that always have—and always will—endure.
-
Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford Medal in Mother-Daughter Olympic MatchingThe pair touched down in Paris wearing coordinating navy looks.
-
Prince Harry Reveals Royal Family Rift Was Worsened by Tabloids"Yeah, that’s certainly a central piece to it."
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to MenIt's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
-
How New York's First Female Governor Plans to Fight for Women If ReelectedKathy Hochul twice came to power because men resigned amid sexual harassment scandals. Here, how she's leading differently.
-
Why the 2022 Midterm Elections Are So CriticalAs 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.
-
Tammy Duckworth: 'I’m Mad as Hell' About the Lack of Federal Action on Gun SafetyThe Illinois Senator won't let the memory of the Highland Park shooting just fade away.
-
Roe Is Gone. We Have to Keep Fighting.Democracy always offers a path forward even when we feel thrust into the past.
-
The Supreme Court's Mississippi Abortion Rights Case: What to KnowThe case could threaten Roe v. Wade.
-
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.
-
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?"
