to the editor: As a transgender woman in the midst of transition, I am shocked not only that U.S. District Judge Roger Benitez issued this ruling, but also that the two San Diego teachers who initiated the legal action did so in the first place (“Teachers have the right to tell parents if their child might be LGBTQ+, federal judge rules.” January 5).
Transgender people suffer the emotional and mental burden of not meeting the social expectation that sex equals gender. Those who would deny our existence are, deep down, intolerant of us. And how can you fully love someone when you harbor intolerance against them? I speak not only from my own experience, but also from my history with healthcare professionals who have approached me over the years as a resource for their patients with gender issues.
Transgender youth are particularly vulnerable, especially if they have parents or teachers who are unaware of the reality of the situation. A young person who relies on a caring educator because his or her own parents are intolerant has now lost an important mental health resource. Is that what these teachers want? Students who feel like they have to hide things from you?
And as for the convenient “religious freedom” argument, I will remind Christians and Catholics that Jesus loved everyone, regardless of social taboos (Luke 7:37-50 is a good example).
Kymberleigh Richards, Van Nuys
