All students deserve to attend a school in a safe environment that allows them to have a fair chance to succeed and prepare for their future. Forcing transgender and gender non-conforming students into restrooms, locker rooms, and changing facilities that do not match their gender identity puts their safety at risk and increases the likelihood they experience harassment. And, forcing transgender and gender non-conforming students to use different facilities than their peers stigmatizes them as different and increases the risk of bullying from other students.

Gender and Sexuality Alliances, sometimes referred to as Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), are school-based groups that provide visibility, safety, and social support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) students and their allies. GSAs help students connect with peers and establish a strong community. That community can help support students and keep them safe in the face of harassment, as well as advocate for a strong and supportive school climate. There are more than 4,000 GSAs in schools nationwide.

All students deserve to go to school in an environment that is safe and respectful, and schools have an obligation to protect students from bullying and gender-based harassment. Unfortunately, many transgender youth feel unprotected: according to a recent national GLSEN study, 75% of transgender youth feel unsafe at school. These students had significantly lower GPAs, were more likely to miss school due to concerns of their safety, and were less likely to plan on continuing their education. Reporting bullying and harassment to a friendly teacher, counselor, or administrator is important.