Sharing What is Possible

The most confident students may advocate for the supports they need to transition at school. But what about those who stay quiet? Clearly explaining to all students what is available helps to connect more vulnerable students with the information they may need. Students may not be able to imagine what is possible without knowing the accommodations that are available to them – open communication with all students can help.

Bathrooms for all.

Do all students know that they have the right to use the bathroom that best aligns with their gender identity? Do the school’s facilities include a non-gendered bathroom? Read more here.

Changing student names.

Do students know that they don’t need to go through a legal name change to start going by a new name at school? Read more about supporting these requests here.

What are your pronouns?

Are educators explicitly asking all students what pronouns feel best? At the start of the school year or term, consider providing a “Get to know you” form that all students fill in, such as this one.

Making it clear that these accommodations are available not only sends a clear message of support to students who need them, but also communicates to the entire student body that the school is a supportive place for trans and gender non-conforming students.