I am a Transgender Woman who lives in Amherst County and who works for Amherst County Public Schools.  I transitioned male to female while employed as a school bus driver and I gratefully accepted the support of many of those around me.  I also received (and still receive) rejection by those who disagree with the decisions I have made and the steps I have taken.  Many others express no opinion and consider it my business (toleration is just as good as open support).  I have hopes that those who reject me will eventually also come to tolerate me.  I have spoken before the school board several times during public discussion of school board issues, in an effort to increase the board's knowledge of Transgender persons.  I have laid bare my experiences and opinions as well as studies offering insight into the stresses and struggles of Transgender students and their families.  I have great empathy toward Transgender students and fully support this comprehensive policy as written.  Nothing should be removed.  Local boards will be required to adopt policies as comprehensive as the state policy, and with this document as their guide, the results will be a school system where, with reasonable accommodations, all can live and learn in surroundings molded to protect everyone equally.