#trans students
I just read the news that the Trump administration decided to roll back protections for trans students, and it weighs heavily on me.
I was in the seventh grade when I first vocalized that I was trans. I began socially transitioning in middle school, medically transitioning as a freshman, and reintroduced myself as Janet as a sophomore at a welcome back ceremony.
I was our class treasurer, captain of the volleyball team, and played tuba in the marching band.
Like all young people, I was growing comfortable in my own skin while discovering what I loved, what I wanted to do, who I wanted to be and what I felt I could do. Sure, my identity and body struggles made my coming-of-age unique and much more visible than my peers, but my classmates and I all had our own struggles, paths and journeys.
I knew as a young person that it was vital for all students to feel safe, welcomed and affirmed, and I had my own experiences, which I detailed in my first memoir Redefining Realness, that made school – a place that I once considered a refuge – incredibly difficult for me to even attend.
I had issues with bathrooms and locker room access. I was sent home repeatedly due to “dress code violations.” I was repeatedly called out of my name and misgendered daily by classmates and staff.
Always the first with my hand up, the one ready and willing to do and learn more, I would go home at night and seriously contemplate never returning to school. The struggle of waking up every day, getting dressed, walking to school and being met with stares and closed doors weighed heavily on me. I was only 15 years old.
Eventually, with the help of my mother, I transferred to a school that was affirming and welcoming, one that actually advocated for me. It was at Farrington High School, where I was given equal access to facilities, called by my name, assured and left with a full-ride academic scholarship to college.
I know first hand how utterly vital it is for young people – for all of us actually – to be met with nods, applause, and open doors. It’s even more urgent for marginalized students, regardless of their ability, race, class, immigration status, religion, sexual orientation or gender expression and/or identities.
To young trans folk (and all the people who love them) I just want you to remember that this is your school too. You deserve to be there just as much as any other student. You deserve equal access, affirmation and an education, and you must recognize and I know you know, that you are powerful. You have agency and voice.
Use it to organize, combat against ignorance and resist. You belong, and nothing – absolutely nothing – is wrong with you.
