Transgendered individuals are some of the most marginalized in America. They are more at risk to be murdered, to be sexually abused, suffer from depression, and have the highest suicide rates amongst any other demographic in the United States. Knowing this- one would think that governments at all levels of state you put laws and regulations in place for the protection and betterment of its trans citizens.
Instead, like much of what the Trump administration has done with other sectors of the government- much of the progress made for the equal rights of trans folks is regressing, not progressing.
On February 22 of this year, for reasons beyond many’s comprehension, Trump rescinded a bill passed by Obama which allowed trans and gender non binary children the right to use the bathroom they were most comfortable in doing so- likely the gender they identified as. As outrage ensured across the nation, at least one city if giving the repeal the middle finger, sticking up for the safety of the students and the rights they so rightly deserve. In New York City- “trans students should be addressed using pronouns matching the gender identity with which they identify”, city guidelines now read. Effectively ignoring Trumps overturn and allowing children in their district to identify as they please, and must be recognized as such.
As Pink News reports.
In response to President Trump’s rolling back of federal protections of transgender students, a 10-page New York Education Department memo gave guidance on trans issues.
The memo added to what was previously one page of guidance which was published back in 2014.
It states that teachers and staff should help protect students against bullying, and explains how to use pronouns to describe binary-identifying or non-binary trans people.
“It is important to note that for students who are gender-nonconforming or who do not prescribe to the gender binary, they may prefer gender-neutral pronouns such as ‘they,’ ‘ze,’ or other pronouns,” reads the memo.
“It is important for school staff, students and parents to be aware that transgender and gender-nonconforming students may be at a higher risk for peer ostracism, victimisation, and bullying because of bias and/or the possibility of misunderstanding and lack of knowledge about their lives,” it adds, according to the NY Daily News.
The memo is part of a longer process which started with the de Blasio administration back in 2014.
It was announced by the public schools’ first lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community liaison, Jared Fox.
Fox said: “It’s about a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment… It’s really hard to concentrate on English or math or social studies when you don’t feel like you belong.”
The Trump administration last month officially revoked guidance protecting transgender students in public schools.
Previously, as introduced by the Obama administration, public schools were instructed to allow trans students to use bathrooms and locker rooms matching their gender identity.
Title IX was used in drafting the guidelines, which were seen as an interpretation of the federal non-discrimination law.
But the new letter from the White House states that the previous guidelines did not “contain extensive legal analysis or explain how the position is consistent with the express language of Title IX, nor did they undergo any formal public process.”
What do you think about Trump’s repeal and the way NYC has decided to handle things? Do you think other cities will follow suit? Join the discussion below.
(Article be Tasha Sharifa)