Transgender Teacher, Mark Krolikowski, Sues After Being Branded 'Worse Than Gay'

By Russell Goldman

A transgender teacher is suing a New York City Catholic school after more than 30 years working there, claiming that it wrongfully terminated him for growing out his hair, painting his fingernails and being "worse than gay."

In a lawsuit, Mark Krolikowski, 59, alleges that after 32 years of teaching at St. Francis Prep in Queens, N.Y., and receiving numerous accolades for his work -- including leading students in a musical performance for Pope Benedict XVI -- he was fired last year after the parents of a ninth grader complained about his appearance.