to the editor: The state of California has been attempting to protect young transgender students in public schools by preventing school employees from notifying parents about these students' gender expression (“California law banning 'forced departure' of trans students blocked by 9th Circuit,” June 22). How tragic that this protection can be blocked.
Let me say that I am aware that transgender people and homosexuals are not the same.
We remember that just a few decades ago, many homosexuals protected themselves by remaining in the closet, sometimes well into adulthood. Most parents would have been shocked, even horrified, to learn that their children were gay.
Fortunately today, many or even most young gay people are much more comfortable with their identity. I wish we could say the same for transgender people.
Much of the current issue centers on “parental rights.” What about the rights of adolescents? How about respect for who they are? For their identities, their fears, their hopes, their discomforts and their choices?
Relationships between transgender teens and their parents vary greatly. If school officials notified parents that their children were transgender, some parents would yell, embarrass them, and possibly kick them out of the house. Other parents would be understanding and kind. Transgender students are very aware of the types of relationships they have with their parents; Let teens decide when, how, or whether to tell their parents.
As for school authorities, train each of them, whether the janitor or the principal, in how to listen with kindness and openness, and how to provide support when a transgender student confides in them.
Rebecca Rona-Tuttle, Culver City
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to the editor: This article begins with the following text: “California's effort to protect the decisions of transgender students in public schools from the eyes of nosy parents remains on hold.” The pejorative use of the word “meddling” to describe the interests of good parents is revealing. Being active and attentive are positive qualities of parents that shape well-adjusted children.
Martin Callahan, Playa Capo
