Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/189657
Advocacy Legislation Glad for the clarification Staff members in the Arcadia Unified School District, where a transgender student's parents filed a federal lawsuit, were confused when it came to treatment of a female-to-male student, says Patrick Tierney, Arcadia Teachers Association president. He believes staff made wrong choices, such as having the student use a staff bathroom, but tried to do right by the student. With a new law in place, things will be easier. "Teachers and administration were struggling with how to deal with this young person and trying to determine where he would fit in best. They decided, on an overnight field trip, that it would be best for the student to room with one of the male adults. The student's parents were upset and felt it was exclusionary for the boy to be with a chaperone and not the other students. What was missing in this was communication. Once we spoke with the parents and the student, it became clear that separating him wasn't the answer. Separation called attention to the student, which was not what he needed. Students began to talk about him because of the special treatment, which is to be expected." Tierney is glad the federal lawsuit happened along with the new legislation, because his district now understands appropriate ways to be inclusive. "Our district is working with an expert as part of the settlement and consulting with other districts that already have policies in place. Last year this student was in middle school, and this year he started high school. The principal and staff want him to feel comfortable and supported at his new school, and are doing everything they can to help him succeed." Q &A with y Garzajohanson Lindse a school psychologist for the Alvord Unified School District. Born a female, Garzajohanson identifies with the male gender. The Alvord Educators Association Member has worked with transgender students in his school district and has some advice for other educators who may not know what to do and say when a transgender student enters the classroom. LINDSEY GARZAJOHANSON IS Should I ask about a student's gender? The first question to ask yourself is "Do I really need to know?" As educators, there may be times when you do need to know or understand something about a student's gender. An appropriate question might be "What is the respectful pronoun to use for you?" or "Is there anything we can do to make school a more comfortable place?" What are some "do's" for working with transgender students? Educators should be allies to all students, not just the ones they understand. Educate yourself on the topic via educational journals and conferences. Keep in mind that even transgender people have different identities, experiences, needs and interests, and are not all the same. Allow students to express their gender identity and take them seriously, even if their presentation does not conform to your own ideas of gender and sex. Consider using gender-neutral terminology such as "students and peers" instead of "boys and girls." Provide emotional support to transgender students by creating a support system that accepts them as they are, such as a Gay-Straight Alliance. What are the "don'ts"? When a transgender student's parents filed a federal lawsuit, staff members were confused about the treatment of a female-to-male student. Things will be easier with a new law in place, says Patrick Tierney, Arcadia Teachers Association. 44 Educator 10 Oct 2013 v2.1 int.indd 44 Do not ask an individual about their medical history or if they are transitioning, because that's confidential information. Do not assume that transgender students will choose one gender over the other; some transgender individuals only cross-dress and do not want to alter their physical appearance, or they may not identify with either gender. Do not assume that because someone is transgender, they are confused, emotionally disturbed or having problems. Being transgender in itself is not a problem for anyone except those who are ignorant on the subject. Do not question the transgender individual's thinking or identity about themselves with your own belief system. Do not assume transgender students are victims of abuse or circumstances. Transgender identities are not environmentally created or triggered. If a student comes out to you as being transgender, never out that student. Students need to come out at their own pace and their own discretion in their own time. O C T O B E R 2013 10/7/13 9:39 PM