I just finished reading through the letters and comments regarding transgendered children and the Department of Education’s attempt to help them. I can understand why those children have no one to go to. The comments show just how little people understand the transgendered. It’s how bullying had been handled for decades; they will outgrow it.
Being transgendered is not something that a child chooses or decides to experiment with. It’s a real issue that needs to be addressed when the realization is there. Children will not outgrow it. It is not an “excuse” to use a different bathroom or locker room. Parents do more damage than good by ignoring it.
When parents ignore, can’t or won’t accept that their child has a problem, where is that child supposed to get the guidance and support they need? If the teacher can’t help, then who can? Formative years are difficult at best; adding to the problems doesn’t help. Education and acceptance are key to understanding. Teachers should be a source for both parents and students for a positive outcome.
Andrew L. Herrick
Rehoboth Beach