Supporting Trans and Nonbinary Students

This guest post was written by Vanessa Ford, M.A.T., and Rebecca Kling, award-winning co-authors of The Advocate Educator’s Handbook: Creating Schools Where Transgender and Non-Binary Students Thrive.

It’s back-to-school season, which means transgender and nonbinary students across the country are entering classrooms that are full of both opportunities and challenges. In some states and school districts, there are positive, proactive policies and laws that uplift trans and nonbinary identities and protect those students. Elsewhere, there are actively harmful policies and laws that seek to erase trans and nonbinary identities. And, when it comes to trans and nonbinary students, some states have no written laws or policies at all. But no matter where you are, or what connection you might have to the trans community, you can help make things better for trans and nonbinary students. 

Today’s trans and nonbinary youth are often caught in the crosshairs of legislative and social debates that seek to limit their ability to receive a safe, supportive education. These youth need the adults in their lives to stand up for them—not just in private, but also in public forums. This means writing letters to the editor, attending and speaking at school board and parent-teacher association meetings, and, of course, voting for policies and politicians that protect trans and nonbinary youth.

Submitting a letter to the editor, or LTE, involves writing no more than 250 words in response to something published by a newspaper or other outlet. LTEs require a quick turnaround, as they’re responding to something happening in the news, but can be written and submitted by anyone.   When deciding where to send your LTE, don’t forget smaller, local outlets: those local news sources are often seen as more trustworthy, so sharing your views there can have a real impact on your community! Search online for your local newspaper and “letter to the editor,” and you’re sure to find the specific requirements on how to submit an LTE.

An LTE should generally include four main parts:

1. How you felt about a recent story, e.g. “I was [grateful/frustrated] to read [ARTICLE] about transgender and nonbinary students.”
2. How you’re connected to this issue, e.g. “As a [trans person, parent, resident of this city, teacher, educator], I’ve found [my own personal experience].”
3. Why this issue matters to everyone, e.g. “It’s important to remember that [we all want what’s best for our students, and transgender students are no different.]”
4. What should happen next, e.g. “That’s why [our school district needs to protect trans and nonbinary students.”]

You can use that same four-part structure to speak at a school board meeting or city council hearing. Again, search online for your city and “school board make public comment” or “city council public comment” to learn more. It’s important for allies to speak up at these meetings, to demonstrate a community’s support for its trans and nonbinary students and residents. Make sure that you’re familiar with the rights that LGBTQI+ students have at school! A4TE and GLSEN have also created a model policy for transgender and nonbinary students, which can help guide your priorities for your school or district. 

Meanwhile, the November election gets closer every day. Check out A4TE’s TRANSform the Vote resources to make sure that you know your rights and can support the trans people in your life as we all prepare to head to the polls. 

Finally, remember that the goal is not simply preventing bad policies but implementing good ones, and creating a world where trans and nonbinary students can truly live their best lives. In researching The Advocate Educator’s Handbook, one student told us, “There are so many parts to trans youth, and being transgender isn’t the only thing that makes us who we are. We are going to be able to thrive and, you know, produce the best math test score that we can and whatever it is, if we’re supported and if we’re accepted and affirmed. When we’re not accepted and affirmed—especially in education settings controlled by the teacher, controlled by the school—it damages our ability to thrive and succeed. It’s not only important in that everyone should be accepted and affirmed everywhere for who they are, it’s also important because we want to do well in school, get a good education, and just be able to be kids in school.”

The back-to-school season is a reminder that we all play a role in creating communities where trans and nonbinary youth can thrive. Whether you’re a family member, teacher, or an ally, your support can make a world of difference. In fact, this support is literally life-saving. Our youth deserve to grow up safely. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and that village must be ready to stand together for all children, especially the most marginalized among them.

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, let’s commit to being part of that village—educating ourselves, affirming trans and nonbinary identities, and ensuring that every young person feels safe, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves.