Yes, indeed, Jo=E3o.
Your story is an illustration of cases where the Zone of Proximal
Development is much like a minefield, full of explosive risks. One wrong
move and the Zone between you and this teacher vanishes: the communication
channel closes. It takes some delicate navigation indeed.
Also, this is one case where *I* would not hesitate to say that the good
direction of travel is for the teacher to come across to your "side of the
field" and get another perspective on the job of sweeping the patio. AND on
the fear of homosexuality.
I can see the difficulties.
Eva