Teachers and students grapple with fears and confusion about new laws restricting pronoun use
Teachers and students grapple with fears and confusion about new laws restricting pronoun use
Indiana is among at least 10 states that have enacted laws prohibiting or restricting students from using pronouns or names that don’t match their sex assigned at birth, a restriction that opponents say further marginalizes transgender and nonbinary students. Most of the laws were enacted this year and are part of a historic wave of new restrictions on transgender youth approved by Republican states.
The measures are creating fear for transgender students and sowing confusion for teachers on how to comply but still offer a welcoming environment for everyone in their classes.
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Makes me sick to my stomach thinking about how much these kids will suffer. Fucking asshole bigot lawmakers. Hurting others who are different just for the sake of it.
Right during a crucial developmental time in their lives. Also makes me sick.
One of my kid's best friends came out as trans about the same age as in the above
Parents don't seem to be supporting him. I worry. I've known him (and family) since he was a baby.
I don't know if it's because of their religion or just discomfort with the change. But I think they will do right in the end because they're not without empathy.
Thankfully, the city and school district is inclusive and supportive because we aren't run by backwards-thinking, cruel, oppressive assholes. So the kid stands a chance and is doing ok for now, has friends, etc.
We've tried to make it clear that we are here for him over the years. They are almost like family to us. Can't imagine what it would be like to feel like everything is against who you are inside at that critical age.
As rough as some of the teen years were for me for various reasons, being actively persecuted, having authorities suppress my identity, and dealing with gender dysphoria on top of it would, I imagine, take an awful lot of fortitude to survive.
I want to ^^^metaphorically slap these people in the face.
Trans kids have to be some of the strongest people I know. Like you said, they are already at a rough time in their lives just from being teens, and to add dysphoria, bullying and bigotry on top of that.. it's just so much shit.
It's terrible that you kid's friend's parents aren't supportive. He is lucky to have adults in his life like you who offer a safe haven. Based on what I've seen in my clients, having just one supportive person can create a resource that you can use your whole life.