Transgender ideology is dangerous. It teaches children that first, their natural bodies or natural brains are "wrong" based off nothing but feelings. It reinforces that idea to the point that if a child "transitions," even just socially, and still struggles with dysphoria, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, it's still not because their "gender identity" wasn't really the problem, but it was REALLY that their family, their society, or now, their school didn't "affirm them enough." It keeps many, therefore, from receiving the help they actually need.

It's also dangerous for people, children especially, who are "gender conforming." Children are too young to know the complexities of gender, and to explain what "transgender" is is impossible without reinforcing gender stereotypes. Tomboys are left to question whether they're "really a girl at all, or are they trans?" Effeminate boys are no longer allowed to like "girly things" without wondering if their "assigned sex" is wrong. It sets up further confusion for all children, especially since this guidance sets a DANGEROUS and terrifying precedent on the role of parents, or the proposed lack of a role if they don't "affirm" the child's gender identity, if they are even privy to it, as the school doesn't have to tell them.

On a personal level, I have worked with far too many traumatized and abused children to tell them that their fears, triggers, simple discomfort, and downright panic at the sight of an opposite-sexed person anywhere near their safe space shouldn't matter so the "feelings" of that person could be maintained. Once you've seen the terror in a young girl's eyes when they think a male PASSING the restroom might come into it, "reaffirming" a dangerous and unhealthy lifestyle becomes a lower priority than reassuring her she's safe because adults can tell males to stay away from that restroom. This guidance seems to remove that ability at the mere utterance (no physical transition is necessary) of a word by what could be a very innocuous but still very male boy. It leaves those timid or traumatized children no escape or reassurance unless they openly request an alternative accomodation, which they are often too shy or scared or pressured to do.

I STRONGLY oppose this guidance, and ask research be done on alternatives to help maintain the safety and peace of mind for ALL students, gender non-conforming and conforming alike.