In our case that did mean sending letters out to parents via the school, so people would understand the issues and know it was ok to ask questions and who to ask… it broke the ice and made us more approachable I think…. it was right for us, felt right for the school and I think the head and staff appreciated our openess.

We could just have gone for it and expected acceptance….as everyone has a right to…. but it felt that giving people the information made that acceptance easier to give. (or in the case of those who don’t accept…at least they come at it from a position of knowledge as opposed to total ignorance – but theres never been any overt signs of non-acceptance at school… perhaps the letter also let people know the culture of the school was one of acceptance in the very fact that the issue was addressed so openly)

Personally I find a letter home that can be discussed and something maybe in individual classes would be preferable to a whole school assembly..which to be honest sounds a hideous way of dealing with one persons personal life.

It’s a person’s private health info and I don’t think it’s any more of anyone’s business than usual because it’s a trans issue. The parents will educate (or not) as they do in either situation, I suspect.

I think parents can only hold themselves responsible for sheltering their kids from reality. Trans people are part of the real world. If people choose to ignore this until they can;t ignore it any more it’s their own lookout. Our genders are none of their business.

I saw a tabloid piece on this child and it’s been blown up into a grim drama, completely unnecessarily. Well done to this youngster’s parents for supporting their child through such a difficult time. Well done to the young lass concerned for holding her head high. Seems she can’t win either way: bullied if she does – bullied if she doesn’t. Schools need decent advice about how to manage these situations. As for prejudiced parents? Nothing will ever be to their taste, so putting their views first is not needed. The school are right to expect inclusion for ALL pupils, and should use the same procedures they use with young disabled people, there’s plenty of expertise out there about including people who don’t fit the standard. Just for some contrast.. a conversation I overheard between two kids who have already been enlightened that some people grow away from their allocated sex and it’s demands and adopt their own gender:

Twin1: What high school am I going to?

Mum: Either the girl’s school like your sister, or to the mixed school with your twin brother.

Twin2: I want to go to high school together!

Twin1: I want to go to the girl’s school.

Twin2: OK.. I will just become a girl and then we can both go.

Twin1: Alright then.

The things twins say!