The New York City Department of Education posted new guidelines for transgender students in late February which were publicized this past week at a meeting of the City Council (video at the link).
Rock Sanabria says he knew he was a boy at 3 years old, even though he had the body of a girl.
Already it’s been like 8 months since the surgery, and already I take a flat chest for granted.
The reality is if you’ve grown up 14-15 years there’s no going back.
--Rocky Sanabria
The 16-year-old Rocky had a double mastectomy last June. He had some complications, but says that it has changed his life.
Rocky says that the one of the hardest parts of his life has been school, which is why he testified before the City Council on the attendant issues.
Under the new guidelines students should be addressed by both faculty and staff by the name and pronouns that correspond to the gender identity they consistently express at school. Also transgender students should not be required to use a locker room or restroom which conflicts with the student's gender identity and students have the right to dress in accordance with their consistently asserted gender identity within the constraints dictated by the school dress code.
When you come out, if you’re coming out as gay or lesbian, coming out as transgender there’s always going to be a space where you’re going to have awkward conversations.
--Tiq Milan, GLAAD
Milan is a transman who says that these are steps in the right direction for transgender kids.
It’s what has to be done. It’s equal for everyone.
--Sanabria
It is the policy of the New York City Department of Education to maintain a safe and supportive learning and educational environment that is free from harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying and free from discrimination on account of actual or perceived race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship/immigration status, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, or weight.
Complaints alleging discrimination or harassment based on a person’s actual or perceived transgender status or gender nonconformity must be handled in accordance with the procedures set forth in Chancellor’s Regulation A-832 (for student-on-student allegations) and Chancellor’s Regulation A-830 (for staff-on-student allegations).
--Transgender Student Guidelines
The guidelines also address issues of privacy, official records, sports and physical education, and gender segregation and provide resources for faculty, staff, students, and parents.