6/17 RI Dept. of Education......Guidance for Rhode Island Schools on Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students

 RIDE- Guidance for Rhode Island Schools Transgender and Nonconforming Students

                                     

Trevor Project Resources- Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Young People

I read both of these articles and was excited to see how detailed Rhode Island is in ensuring that all students feel welcomed and a part of our educational space.   As a country that believes in freedom of speech and freedom to choose, I could only expect us to be understanding of someone's decision on how they express themselves and present their true demeanor.  I am an ally for pride in whatever we choose to be.  I think that people need to be encouraged to follow their heart and dreams.  We as a country should not be afraid of diversity, but so many are even after all these years.  I am curious to know what it is that makes people so hateful of another's choice.  I know religion plays a part in some cases but when do we accept that not everyone has similar beliefs and that it is ok.  It is ok to cherish your beliefs and also respect another's.

The authors are arguing that it is a student's educational right to learn in a space that is not only safe but also non-judging, understanding and supportive to a young person's choice of expression.  

My 3 talking points are: 

1.  Growing up LGBT in America, found that 42% of gender non conforming youth report being frequently or often being called names and 40% reported being frequently or often excluded.   Enumeration of subgroups within Civil Rights Laws is necessary because those subgroups tend to experience discrimination more than other groups. 

this is clearly stated in the law and yet we still have to work so hard to ensure that it is being followed in our school system, and community.  Colorblinddness the article by Armstrong and Wildman, also in my opinion applies to the transgender and nonbinary community, in regards to people trying to ignore or refuse the identity will not make these issues go away or help other students learn about and respect a student's wellbeing.

2. The first amendment of the US constitution protects the rights to  privacy, free speech and freedom of expression.  The Federal Equal Access Act identifies narrow exceptions; however, schools may not ban or suppress the speech of student groups based on a "desire to avoid the discomfort and unpleasantness that always accompany an unpopular viewpoint.  

Again I ant to point out that this Country suggests we are free to be who WE want to be (if this poses no danger to any other person why is this so taboo for so many.  If people could be truthful about who they are and how they wish to be seen and experienced by others that would be a great start to  changing the culture of America.  America is the land of dreams but whose dreams are valid?  We have been around too many centuries to continue to operate in this closed mind state.

3.  It can be tough for transgender and nonbinary people to constantly educate or be the subject of other's curiosity.  One of the best ways to be an ally is to educate yourself on the basics of gender identity and expression so you can better support others.

I try to always intentional ask for names and pronouns and respect other's identities.  At my age I do at sometimes impulsively use pronouns that may not line up with the individual but I immediately apologize and work harder at remembering.  I try to give myself grace but as an older generation so "branded" by racial and systemic capitalism I do sometimes slide back into "old name tags".  I have taken the time to read and understand the different communities that I may have the pleasure of engaging.  I am always looking for people to feel like they are welcome and belong.  We really need to stop operating out of fear and do a lot more loving and healing.  You would be surprised by the allies you can make when talking with people you may think have nothing that mirrors you and your life. 

Gender and Sexuality Behavioral Healthcare   check out how Brown University Health supports Rhode Islanders in gender and sexuality health.