When I was in high school in Virginia in the early 2000’s, there was nothing in terms of LGBTQ protections. Some brave students attempted to form a gay-straight alliance and were turned down. In a school of over two-thousand students, there was only one out gay student that I knew of. The constant bullying of anyone who didn’t fit typical gender norms was detrimental to my development and mental health, and I’m sure I am one of thousands who could say the same across the Commonwealth. Do not make mistakes that will harm further generations of LGBTQ youth by shying away from these protections. Provide equal protection in our schools!