These guidelines are a critical step to providing a safe and supportive environment for children coming to terms with their gender identity. Seeing the number of comments that seek to condemn trans youth (and adults) only reinforces the urgent need for sound policies in the face of such bigotry. Having watched several of my children’s friends work through the process of resolving their gender identity, I have seen first hand how a supportive environment is critical for their mental and physical health. Even in a supportive environment the journey of a transgender person is challenging and fraught. We owe it to ALL of our children in the Commonwealth to ensure they are each valued for who they are. These guidelines are a critical first step towards building a supportive environment.