Trans Experiences: Part 4

By Nicolaj Arroyo

Co-Managing Editor

March 2022

This month, I’m focusing on rules. As trans people, our bodies and activities are policed heavily. We have many restrictive laws passed to rob us of equal rights, but we also impose rules upon each other.

I want to cover both sides of control, that which oppresses us, and that which we use to oppress ourselves.

I spoke to current school board president, Megan Miller, about different trans issues. She responded with a very in-depth email, which I will be paraphrasing at some parts for the sake of page space and time.

Miller: I would like to begin by saying that I approach this issue as an educator and as a parent. In both perspectives, I believe that when it comes to creating learning environments in public schools, it is essential to create spaces that are physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe for every learner. Since you asked me how I feel about transgender experiences, I would like to clarify that we are talking about students who are transitioning or transitioned, gender fluid, nonbinary - essentially I am looking at the issue through a wide umbrella of trans issues. That said, I believe wholeheartedly that children who fall into any trans category need to be respected and included in our learning communities.

As a board member for the School District of Beloit Board of Education, I believe that when it comes to legislation, we owe our students advocacy for legally protecting their rights to safe, accessible, and inclusive learning environments. I am aware that there are legal obstacles beyond the district’s control that make this difficult. For example, name and record changes require a changed birth certificate, which to the best of my knowledge, is not something that the district can overrule. I would be fully in support of any measure the district or schools in the district could take to make bathrooms, names and record changes, and other issues that affect the daily experiences of students inclusive and validating. I am also in support of allowing trans students to participate in sports that reflect their gender identity. The Board can take actions at the state level like passing resolutions, which are essentially letters to lawmakers and ask for better laws to protect the rights and safety of trans students. If students feel that this is something that is needed, they should exercise their voices and let us know, and I would personally be in support of writing and passing resolutions that would increase rights, safety, access, and inclusion for students.

Compared to their heterosexual/non-LGBTQ+ counterparts, there are much higher trends of suicide and attempted suicide, substance abuse, mental health issues, and homelessness amongst the LGBTQ+ community. It is imperative that our schools support access to mental health and so that we can be responsive to student learning by creating safe spaces…

I think there are areas for the district to grow. As we look at the strategic plan and future facilities planning, I think the district could take increasing access to all gender bathrooms into consideration. It’s my understanding that currently students have access to one in the nurse’s office, but perhaps that could be expanded in the future. We could also look into making it easier for students to use preferred names and pronouns. I think in general it would be great to form relationships with trans people in the community and invite people who are eligible to volunteer and mentor our students.

Board President Miller was also kind enough to send me excerpts from the SDB Code of Conduct. I will translate the “faux-legalese” into knowledge that would have helped me as a younger trans person.

Policy 411 Student Nondiscrimination Statement and Complaint Procedure

The School District of Beloit does not discriminate against students on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, sex change, gender identity, gender expression, gender non-conformity, or physical, mental emotional, or learning disability in its educational programs and activities or in its standards or rules of behavior or disciplinary measures, including suspensions and or expulsions.

What that means for you: While this does not guarantee that you will not be discriminated against by staff, it does mean it is against policy, so if you were to take a staff member to court for discrimination, you have a better chance at being in the right.

My perspective: In intermediate school and into high school, I was discriminated against by staff multiple times. Had I the knowledge that complaining was something I could have done, I would have. I want to make sure as many trans students as possible know what this policy means, so they can have the courage to stand up for themselves I did not have.

Policy 441 Student Rights, Responsibilities and Freedom of Speech

Each student has a right to an education. Students have the responsibility to apply themselves to maximize the benefit they receive from their education. Each student has a right to an environment that allows them to identify and pursue personal academic interests and have the responsibility to behave in such a way that all other students can also exercise that right. Student behavior that disrupts classwork, involves substantial disruption to school operations, or invades the rights of others will not be tolerated.

Students shall have the right to advocate for the change of any policy or regulation and to appear before the Board of Education without fear of reprisal if their concerns are not satisfied at lower levels. Students may exercise their right to freedom of expression through speech, petition, and other lawful means. The exercise of this right may not interfere with the rights of others. A student's right to freedom of expression may not be utilized to present material which tends to be obscene or slanderous, defames character, is threatening to others, or advocates a violation of federal, state and local laws or official school policies or regulations.

What that means for you: Protests, petitions and things of that sort are not against policy, as long as they are not deemed disruptive (which is quite vague, so be careful). The policy also means that if you protest policy or discrimination, staff are not allowed to retaliate against you. Again, this does not mean that they will not, but it does give you the legal high ground.

My perspective: I have had good experiences protesting in the district. Things like the Day of Silence, posters and stickers, speeches and even walk-outs can sometimes happen without punishment. As for all forms of protest, no matter how small, be careful, gauge your environment (if you speak out, will you come to harm ? Are you anonymous ?). Be safe.

Let’s move on to inter-community rules.

Of course, there’s the culture of coming out. Coming out is a near-universal experience among the LGBT+ community, and is unique to each person. Generally speaking, it is rude and reckless to “out” someone without their permission. To tell someone another person’s gender identity or sexual/romantic orientation without their permission can seriously put them in danger.

The transgender-exclusive rules I’ll be talking about mostly pertain to gender expression, none of which are agreed upon within the entire community.

A culture within the trans community that often plagues young trans men specifically is that of Transmedicalism, otherwise known as “transmed” or “truscum”. Transmedicalism refers to the belief that one is not “truly trans” unless they experience debilitating gender dysphoria, undergo all possible medical procedures and social changes to perfectly adhere to gender roles. The idea of certain people being “truly trans” or “tucute” is one that is integral to this belief. “Tucutes” are those who are not “truly trans”, which means anyone who is non-binary, does not transition medically to the furthest possible extent, or does not perfectly adhere to their gender role. I have seen fellow trans people believe this, and it tears their relationships apart, as well as themselves.

The idea of “passing” is also one that pertains exclusively to trans people. To “pass” is to be recognized by cisgender people as one’s true gender. The importance of “passing” varies from person to person, but is incredibly important to many trans people, and nearly all cisgender people. To not be incongruent, to not look out of place with other members of one’s gender is the goal of “passing”. One’s dysphoria plays heavily into the individual importance of passing.

To young trans people: Be who you really are. There is no requirement to be transgender, no matter what anyone says. Your gender, and your relationship with it is your own. Do not let pressure, whether from cisgender people or other trans people change how you present or identify yourself. Do not put other trans people down for having a different journey than you. We are in this together.