LGBT ‘sassy’ teacher uses his hand fan in photo op with Trump
Instant Internet sensation.
Giannopoulos’s photo with the president and first lady Melania Trump in the Oval Office became a viral sensation once it was posted online, putting the teacher into stardom.
Giannopoulos met the president as part of the fanfare that comes with being named 2017 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year. In a Facebook post, he described his experience, what he wore and what he would have said had he gotten a few moments with Trump.
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The special education teacher and coordinator at Beacon Charter High School said he wore a rainbow pin to express his gratitude for the support of the LGBTQ community. His anchor necklace stood for “hope,” the Rhode Island motto.
His photo with the president was shared thousands of times and Twitter had a field day.
Giannopoulos told NPR the president gave his blessing — “Absolutely, go for it” — when he asked if it could be used in their picture.
Queering up the White House for the LGBTQ youth of Rhode Island! #NTOY17 @Y_P_I @CCSSO pic.twitter.com/m8dsDOGNNA
— Nikos Giannopoulos (@BeaconMrG) April 26, 2017
Twitter responses:
Rhode Island Teacher of the Year, Nikos Giannopoulos, my new hero. #sschat #pride pic.twitter.com/DO8TFfI8m6
— MyJoeCalledLife (@JoeSangWeid) June 16, 2017
This pic of Rhode Island's teacher of the year and accompanying story made my day. Teachers are the best 💗
— speedy jimenez (@rlj006) June 17, 2017
Nikos Giannopoulos, Rhode Island's Teacher of the Year, is my favorite thing today. pic.twitter.com/PDBGLS8S4L
— Drew Barton (@drewbarton) June 16, 2017
https://twitter.com/Rosserator/status/875767047883501568
What was President Trump’s reaction to the fan? Did he say anything? (NPR Q & A)
“Oh, he loved it! I popped it open when I walked into the office because I’m a very sassy person. And [President] Trump complimented it right away. He said, “I love the fan!” And he told me I had great style. Then, when I was ushered in for my private photo with the president and Melania [Trump] I was told I should put it away. So I just folded it up and held it at my side. But when it came time for the photo, I just asked the president, “Do you mind if I use the fan for the photo?” He said, “Absolutely go for it.” So I popped my fan and did my pose.” Continue >>> reading the full Q & A on NPR
Criticize the Rhode Island teacher and/or President Trump all you like, but this is great and we love it.