I am an alumn of the private school Governor Youngkin attended and where he served on the Board of Trustees, Norfolk Academy. The oppressive policies that the Governor is attempting to mandate in Virginia are not new, they were practiced at Norfolk Academy during my time there from 2002-2009. I was a victim of bullying from staff and faculty as well as the head of school due to my outward expression. I didn't have the words at the time to identify myself as a trans student, primarily because the environment at Norfolk Academy was so oppressive to LGBT+ students that it was safer in the long run to avoid harassment from faculty and coaches . This harassment, modeled and tacitly approved by coaches and faculty, would of course trickle down into the student body.
If these guidelines find their way into schools an entire generation of transgender and nonbinary students will experience the same alienation and pain that I felt. They will have prolonged mental health issues that evolve beyond dysphoria to self harm and suicidal ideation. That is not an exaggeration. This is my lived experience and a reflection of the most thorough mental and physical health studies on trans affirming care and trans affirming communities.
Students can't learn or thrive when they don't feel safe. These policies will further endanger students and they will create an atmosphere where learning and growth is second to shame and punishment.
I urge you to reject these policies and to follow guidance from the Virginia Human Rights Act passed by the Virginia legislature that outlines protections for students, faculty, staff and all Virginians on the basis of gender identity.