One of my wife’s former students killed themself a couple days ago. They came out as trans a couple years back and their parents said if they change their name they can no longer live at home. At school they found somewhat of a safe space, teachers and students called them whatever name they asked to be called, and life was slightly more manageable.
The recent rule changes resulted in teachers no longer being able to use their preferred name, could no longer talk to them about everything, and resulted in school no longer being a safe space.
It would be nice if all parents would help their children with these scenarios, but the reality is that not all of them do. Schools used to be a place where kids could turn to for help, and our government has taken that away.
It makes me sick to my stomach.
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