Commentary
Do you remember when you first heard of the terms “non-binary” or “gender fluid”? How about “gender-expansive” or “gender non-conforming”? I bet it was within the last five years.
I recently came across a guide distributed to teachers and administrators nationwide. The guide was made in partnership with the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Education Association (the largest teachers union in America), and other LGBT groups. The guide is titled “Schools in Transition: A Guide for Supporting Transgender Students in K-12 Schools.” So what’s in this nationally distributed guide?
It states: “The expression of transgender identity, or any other form of gender-expansive behavior, is a healthy, appropriate and typical aspect of human development. A gender-expansive student should never be asked, encouraged or required to affirm a gender identity or to express their gender in a manner that is not consistent with their self-identification or expression. Any such attempts or requests are unethical and will likely cause significant emotional harm.”…