What do a bus, a water fountain, and a bathroom all have in common?
The Trump Administration rescinded President Obama’s Guidance regarding the rights of transgender children to use school restrooms of their choice; many are wondering if this truly is just about a bathroom. Many civil rights and child advocacy organizations are in opposition with the Trump position due to violation of the protections guaranteed in Title IX and the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution. Title IX prohibits discrimination based upon sex in federally funded activities or education, however discourse continues surrounding the interpretation gender within the language of federal law. The issue of transgender youth and public school restroom use will be explored by the US Supreme Court this march, however many states have already opted to support transgender youth through local legislation.
Rescinding these guidelines places transgender youth at risk for bullying, violence, and discrimination. Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners have issued statements about the hazards involved in marginalizing children: Policies that exclude transgender children from existing within their gender identity will have detrimental effects upon health and well-being. When children experience adversity and lack of acceptance, they become increasingly susceptible to a host of challenges across their life course.
Data from Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law estimates that there are approximately 150,000 transgender youth and 206,000 transgender young adults in the United States. Despite the growing numbers of transgender Americans, misunderstanding persists. Curious? Tune into Healthcetera Radio as Senior Fellow Kristi Westphaln delves into the experiences of transgender youth with Dr. Kimberly Aquaviva. Dr. Aquaviva is an authority on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and/or questioning (LGBTQ) aging and end-of-life issues for the George Washington University School of Nursing.
