DEAR ABBY: I teach at a privately owned after-school center. Recently, my boss asked me if I had any friends who could teach an extra class one day a week. I have a friend, "Cheryl," who I know would be great for the job. She's very smart and has past teaching experience.
I told my boss I would introduce her to Cheryl. What I didn't mention is that Cheryl is transgender. She was not born a biological female. I don't feel it is my place to disclose that to my boss. However, I was shocked when Cheryl said she wouldn't tell, either.
I understand my friend's desire to be recognized as a woman. But I feel that I would be deceiving my boss if neither of us told her. I'm not entirely sure whether my boss, the other teachers and the children's parents would approve of Cheryl. I don't want to be blamed for not being truthful. If Cheryl doesn't reveal that she's transgender, should I? -- NERVOUS IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
DEAR NERVOUS: Please do not allow yourself to be distracted by your friend's gender status. The question isn't whether Cheryl was born a woman. It's whether she can be a competent teacher. When all is said and done, what's going on between her ears is far more important than what's under her skirt. Jobs working with children require background checks. It's not your responsibility to be the town crier.