Bob Hollinger, Gay Teacher Who Won Suit, Dies at 61

BY ANDY HUMM | Public school teacher Bob Hollinger, who sued the New York City schools for anti-gay harassment at his Queens PS 52 in Rosedale that started in 2001 and won, died on March 25. Just three weeks ago, he marched proudly in the gay-inclusive St. Patrick's Day Parade in Queens. The Department of Education retaliated against Hollinger after he filed a complaint with the Human Rights Commission in 2004, refusing to assign him elsewhere and holding back his pay. He had the backing of the United Federation of Teachers in his case. Hollinger was an active member of the Metropolitan Community Church of New York. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.