I am a transgender woman who graduated from high school in the state of Virginia. My high school was located in a highly conservative area, which frequently seems unable to be accepting of any identity that resides out of the binary or what is deemed “typical.” Although I attended high school in such a traditionalist part of Virginia: I never truly felt as if I was actively being discriminated against as there was no policy intact, such as the recently proposed policies, that would have directly put me further into harms way. I’m here to let you know that all transgender and non-binary students want to do is be treated with dignity, respect, and most importantly equality. Transgender and non-binary students already face a level of discrimination unlike their cisgender and binary classmates. This topic is often considered taboo (especially within the rural communities of Virginia and places alike), but I’m here to say that needs to change. Transgender and non-binary students do not need to be “outed” to their family as this in itself can lead to things much worse such as abandonment and abuse, even. A gender variant persons identity is theirs and theirs alone, so giving prejudice teachers the ability to “out” their students is highly inappropriate and very dangerous. Also, not allowing transgender and non-binary individuals to use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity is absurd! For a lack of better words - everyone uses the bathroom. We all need to dispose of our excrements and forcing trans and non-binary students to use a bathroom they don’t feel comfortable doing will not only further endanger them, but it may prevent them from using the restroom entirely: which is not healthy either. Finally, the least teachers and staff can do to assure that trans and non-binary students are included, welcomed, respected, and safe is to use their preferred name and pronouns. Imagine if someone were to call you by a name you didn’t like or if they used incorrect pronouns! You would simply correct them and move along, so trans students should also have the right to use their preferred name and pronouns even if it isn’t what’s reflected on their official documents inside or out of school. I directly oppose the proposed policy and I hope that we can strive to create a happy and healthy school environment for not only transgender and non-binary students, but all.