As a trans man who was educated in the virginia public school system, I must express my full hearted support of the trans inclusive policies set forth by this guidance. My adolescence was threatened by the intolerance for gender expressions perpetuated by the school system. The lack of trans visibility and general education for all students meant that bullying of gender varent students like myself often went unchecked. By the time I reached middle school I was depressed and suicidal. Thanks to a few open friends and faculty I made it through and am now thriving many years later. But sadly that is not the case for everyone. Many Trans and gender non-conforming individuals do not have that lifeline or support system. Schools are ment to nurture and foster the development of all it's students. Specific guidelines for how to best support a marginalized group can only help those in need. It poses no threat to those outside the marginalized group, but only asks them to learn about something they may not yet understand. I hope you see the moral necessity for clear inclusive policies for transgender youth, and the positive impact this will have on a threatened group of kids in the Virginia school system.

Thank you sincerely,

Curtis M.