“Youth may initially begin to express their preferred gender with people that they feel are safe. The process by which youth begin to express their preferred gender can vary and many factors can influence how individuals express their gender identity.” (Rhode Island Department of Education)
This quote reminds us that expressing one's gender identity is a personal matter and often depends on trust. For trans and nonbinary students, school can feel unsafe if they don’t know they’ll be accepted. That means safety isn’t just about physical protection, but it’s also about emotional support and the presence of people who will affirm their identity without question. Affirmation is an ongoing process that should follow the student’s lead.
How can we create classroom environments where all students feel safe enough to express their identity at their own pace, without fear or pressure?
“54% of transgender and nonbinary young people found their school to be gender-affirming, and those who did reported lower rates of attempting suicide.” (The Trevor Project)
This quote shows how powerful gender-affirming schools can be. For trans and nonbinary students, feeling seen and respected is directly linked to lower suicide risk. It’s not just about being nice—it’s about saving lives. When schools support identity, they give students a real chance to feel safe, cared for, and able to keep going.
What support systems, language, or practices help make students feel truly safe and valued?
“As with other efforts to promote a positive school culture, it is important that student leaders and school personnel, particularly school administrators, become familiar with the terminology, best practices, guidance, and related resources... strategies for communication, bullying prevention, district policy, and student privacy.”
Being kind isn’t enough. Schools need training, strong policies, and leaders who show what respect looks like. If staff don’t have the tools or language to support trans students, those students can feel unprotected. Support takes work. It has to be intentional.
How can we make sure students are part of shaping the policies that affect them most?
What would it take for every adult in a school to feel confident supporting trans and gender-expansive students?
Aaron this is a good reminder of why it is important to provide students with an environment where they can feel free, seen, and affirmed, in order to thrive and progress in life. The battle within is enough that many have to deal with. Let alone having to remain in a space where you are constantly rejected or overlooked. This can be life altering with the reality that many succumb to anxiety, depression, and even suicide. It is paramount that we are aware of the gravity of such reality. Even if we may not be able to relate, we need to learn how to honor each person's humanity.
ReplyDelete"Being kind isn’t enough. Schools need training, strong policies, and leaders who show what respect looks like. If staff don’t have the tools or language to support trans students, those students can feel unprotected. Support takes work. It has to be intentional." This point you make above is something that feels like the crux of this course to me. Good intentions are not enough.
ReplyDelete