Beyond the Binary

1. Robert is an eighth grade student who often dresses and acts in a traditionally “feminine” manner. One day, Robert wears a skirt and blouse to school. His teacher sends him to the principal’s office with a request that Robert be sent home to change his clothes.

Did the teacher take the right action? Why or why not?
The teacher did not take the right action. It is up to the teacher to set an example towards dealing with students who are still figuring out their gender identity. By sending Robert to the principal's office, the teacher is showing that what he did was wrong, essentially telling the other students that there is something wrong with Robert.

What kinds of questions, if any, should the Principal ask Robert?
I believe the Principal should ask questions in a non-accusing tone, such as why he felt better in feminine clothing, if only to determine how Robert feels about his gender identity. If Robert feels uncomfortable talking about it, I think it would be better not to push it. Also, I think it should be determined if Robert's parents know about his trangenderness, and whether they are comfortable with it, or if they would punish him, adding to the discrimination he already encounters.

Should Robert’s parent(s) or guardian(s) be called? If so, when?
I think that if Robert's parents know and are supportive of Robert's questions, they should be called to discuss how to better accommodate Robert at school. If all a phone call would do would be to make things worse, I would say that a phone call would not be advisable.

What kind(s) of referrals to resources could the Principal or another school employee give to Robert?
The school should put Robert into contact with a GSA, or a group that would allow him to feel less alone in his quest for gender identity. Also, it would be helpful for someone to come into the school to talk to the staff about how to successfully deal with students with Gender Identity questions.

What, if anything, should Robert’s classmates be told?
As I said above, I think it would be good to have someone come in and talk to the students about what it is like to be Queer Gendered. It might make things less confusing for the students, and be a place for them to ask questions.

2.Cameron identifies as transgender and would like to use the boy’s restroom at his school. He presents as male and uses male pronouns. When he tries to use the boy’s restroom, he is often harassed and taunted in the facility and school staff and students always tell him to use the girl’s restroom. Fed-up with the harassment, he asks the principal for a gender-neutral bathroom.

How should the principal address Cameron’s situation in a way that is confidential and respectful of Cameron?
I think that a gender-neutral bathroom would be a good idea. The Principal could propose a gender neutral bathroom for the school, not stating specifically that it is for transgender students.

What can teachers and administrators do to ensure his safety, while respecting him as a transgender student?
Teachers and administrators should emphasize that Cameron is to be referred to as a boy, and that harassment will not be tolerated. Gender neutral bathrooms would also help the situation immensely, as Cameron would not be harassed for going in the wrong bathroom.

How can Cameron be supported mentally and emotionally in a way that affirms his gender identity?
If it is made clear that Cameron is to be referred to in masculine pronouns, as well as requiring that staff and students to learn about what it is to be transgender, Cameron's life would probably become a little easier.

What should the principal do to train staff about their obligations to protect transgender students from harassment and discrimination?
Someone who is well versed in Transgender and Queergender identities should come to the school to teach the staff how to be supportive and protective of transgendered students.