Big Education Ape: QUEEN FOR A DAY: AN EDUCATOR FOR LIFE

Tuesday, September 12, 2023

QUEEN FOR A DAY: AN EDUCATOR FOR LIFE

QUEEN FOR A DAY

AN EDUCATOR FOR LIFE

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, gather around because we have a story that will make you laugh, cry and maybe even gasp a little. It's the tale of Shane Murnan, the principal of John Glenn Elementary School in Oklahoma, who also happens to be a drag queen named Shantel Mandalay.

Now, before you start clutching your pearls and fainting from shock, let me tell you that Shane/Shantel is a man of many talents. He's been working in public education in Oklahoma for 26 years and has been performing as Shantel for just as long. And let me tell you, he puts on a show that would make RuPaul herself proud.

But not everyone is a fan of Shane's alter ego. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters has been on Fox News twice in the past week to criticize Shane's side career as a drag queen. And some parents have even gone so far as to send him death threats. Can you believe it? Death threats over a man in a wig and heels.

But Shane isn't one to back down from a fight. He's defended himself and his art, saying that he's open about who he is and that performing as Shantel is a form of therapy and performance art. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good therapy session in sequins and feathers?

Now, some people have brought up a child pornography charge from 20 years ago that Shane had to explain. But he says that it was a result of bias against gay educators. And honestly, who among us hasn't been unfairly targeted because of who we are?

Despite all the backlash, Shane's school district has defended their hiring decision, stating that he has an outstanding reputation. And Shane himself has even paused his performances as Shantel, stating that his priority is his school and job.

But let me tell you, if I were a student at John Glenn Elementary School, I would be begging for a private performance from Shantel Mandalay. Can you imagine the looks on those kids' faces when their principal struts into the cafeteria in full drag? It would be like Christmas morning and Halloween combined.

So let's all raise a glass to Shane Murnan, aka Shantel Mandalay. Queen for a day, educator for life. May he continue to slay the education game and the drag game with equal fierceness. And may all the haters learn to live and let live (and maybe even learn to appreciate a good lip sync).

‘Very open with who I am’: Western Heights principal defends drag queen alter ego https://nondoc.com/2023/09/11/western-heights-principal-shane-murnan-drag-queen-shantel-mandalay/ via @nondocmedia

Some support, others concerned about principal in Western Heights https://www.koco.com/article/oklahoma-western-heights-elementary-school-principal-board-meeting/45091612

Community shares mixed reactions about embattled principal at Western Heights meeting | KOKH https://okcfox.com/news/local/community-shares-mixed-reactions-about-embattled-principal-at-western-heights-board-meeting-school-district-meeting-doctor-shane-murnan-council-grove-elementary-libs-of-tiktok-state-superintendent-ryan-walters-drag-queen-child-pornography-charges