Title and Author:
RI Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education- Guidance for RI Schools on Transgender and Gender Noncomforming Text
Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Young People, The Trevor Project
Annotation of Text:
The need for guidance on transgender and noncomforming genders is crystal clear according to The Human Rights Campaign. The risk for depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide is increased drastically in the noncomforming gender youth population. These laws require prompt response from the schools for any sex-based harassment. Schools must also treat students according to their expressed identity even if it is different from their sex assigned at birth. They also allow students to participate and use facilities aligned with their gender expression. The privacy of the student is also protected under Title IX and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
For anyone wondering how to go about supporting transgender and nonconforming gender students, the guide is a great resource. One of my favorite tips is to never make assumptions regarding someone's pronouns. I love how in class we introduce ourselves with our pronouns. It creates a safe environment and in my opinion reinforces the fact that pronouns should never be assumed. It does leave me wondering though- how does a closeted student feel about pronouns? What if they are not ready to come out? Are they then forced to lie about how they view themselves? Is this doing more harm than good in this instance?
3 Talking Points:
1) Amazing there are laws supporting this group of individuals! Is this what we are seeing in schools?
2) As far as allowing access to facilities and activities that support their gender, I do wonder what this means for sports.
3) Accommodating any oppressed group is crucial for suicide prevention. The one consideration is considering individual bathrooms for any individual who is uncomfortable in a public bathroom or place of changing.
Argument Statement:
"By learning to support transgender and nonbinary people, you can help to create a safer, kinder, more accepting world."
As far as schools go, I know as a school nurse only kids that have medical needs are allowed to use my private nurse bathroom, but any transgender student is automatically allowed also.
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