I’m a transgender student currently attending high school in Illinois. I’ve always gravitated towards the traditionally feminine roles in society. I’ve always been different, and it wasn’t until recently that I was able to come to terms with my identity.
I was accommodated to a certain extent by my school’s administration. My rights to the Locker room are limited. A specific hate group in my community likes to preach that having people assigned male at birth in the locker room is like inviting a rapist into a very private space, where it would be easy for one to choose a victim. I’m not a predator. I’m a person. All I want is the rights my humanity entitles me to.
I dealt with the targeting of the hate group by speaking up about my needs at a school board meeting. I felt as though my feelings and thoughts were at least somewhat validated. I encourage other people to speak their mind as well. Make people think. I’m glad I was able to find a group of people who truly love and accept me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for that.