It is imperative that there is protection for trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students in Virginia. All children deserve a safe and affirming environment to learn. Creating a truly inclusive school environment will help children become socially conscious & aware adults.
I remember in high school we had a transgender young lady in my gym class. She was beautiful, she was funny, and she was such a good hearted person. I remember being so appalled when I found out she was not allowed to dress in the girl’s locker room with us. She had to get dressed in the boys bathroom down the hall because the boys would beat her up if she went into the boy’s locker room. I remember thinking back then, as a kid....”She’s clearly one of us, there is no reason she shouldn’t be in here with us. We’d accept her.” Our society has this all wrong and it needs to change. Our children need to be protected for the person they truly are. And this is the first step in how we can undo the obsolete prejudices that plagues our society. It’s time for change.