As a mother and grandmother, this proposed model guidance hurts my heart.  I fear that it will result in increased depression and anxiety in transgender youth, bladder infections since they can’t use the bathroom in which they feel safe, and increased instances of suicide, bullying and/or homelessness.

Sadly, not all parents are accepting of their children’s need to live authentically as themselves.  If trans youth must obtain parental permission to be identified as the gender which feels authentic to them, and to use the bathroom set aside for that gender, then they are at increased risk of domestic violence.

I am also a member of the Christian clergy.  Over and over, Jesus stood on the side of the outsider and those who were oppressed.  He taught us to love one another, and said: “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven”.  And then he blessed them.  

Instead of love, this proposed policy is, in my opinion, filled with hate.  Isn’t Virginia supposed to be for lovers?