HERE IS MICHAEL NERI’S RESPONSE TO THE MOTHER:
“I would be lying if I said I was disappointed to hear this. I pride my students on the respect and love they have for others and their passion for equality. You would only be infringing on our family. As far as I’m aware, my sexuality doesn’t effect my ability to teach, just like it wouldn’t effect a doctor’s ability to treat one of your children should they become unwell. I’m sure your children’s health would come first should they need emergency treatment, or would you need to check their doctors lifestyle prior to their life saving operation? I wish you luck in finding an appropriate stage school that meets your needs, however from experience I find that theatre without gays is like cooking without spices (just my opinion). I hear StageCoach are enrolling but there teachers have been known to wear mixed fabrics which I’m sure you are aware is forbidden in the bible (Leviticus 19:19). Please feel free to come see our Musical ‘Happy Days,’ confetti will be used in the finale but please rest assure this is not an attempt to corrupt your Christian lifestyle. We just love glitter.Unfortunately deposits are non refundable but don’t worry, your deposit has been donated to StoneWall, an LGBT charity.”
When the woman cited her Christianity as a reason for not wanting her children in Neri’s class, Neri pointed out that she probably wouldn’t harangue a doctor about his/her sexuality if her child’s health was at risk. Neri went on to make some jokes about incorporating confetti into his production but not in an attempt to “corrupt” anyone’s Christian lifestyle. He also quipped that she ought to see that gay people are crucial to the theater business.
