I'm 44 too. I went to Catholic school for 5 years, then was transferred to public school after Vatican II was implemented. This elementary school (my daughter has just a few days left in this hole-thank God) is full of people who hang their sheets on hangers, instead of placing them neatly folded in the linen closet. 35 years later, it's still business as usual. I got my butt kicked for being Catholic, and the teachers and principal didn't do anything. That's okay, my kids are mean and don't put up with anyone's crap ;-) I didn't have a problem with queers, but by the time I got into high school I didn't bother showing up except for finals.
What you went through was pretty bad. Creepy, nasty old men are worse than the Klan.
Hey, as a matter of retribution, I met one of my old pedo teachers about 10 years ago at a supermarket and said hi. I never mentioned the funny stuff he did, but you could fill a bucket with his sweat. I spoke very sarcastic, "How are your students? STILL teaching? You retired? Staying out of trouble I assume?" Very very uncomfortable for him, being that I was now also about 6 inches taller than him as well. It was very surreal to say the least, but to hell with him. There just predators on the innocent these sick bastards.