School Bathrooms?

[maiLMan]

I'm going to come out to everyone before the next school year, but one thing has been on my mind--school bathrooms. My dad seems convinced that they will NOT let me use the boy's bathroom, he can't look past my genitals it seems. But, honestly, I think I'll be able to...this isn't the 80's when he grew up anymore.

I go to a very supporting LGBT school in New York. Sure, the people might be not be nice to a trans kid, but the school has a reputation to uphold and discriminating against a trans kid would make them look pretty bad. So, that's why I think they'd let me use the boy's bathroom. But, I've never been in this situation so I have no idea how it'll pan out. So, what happened to you guys when you came out in high school? Did they let you use the bathroom that corresponds to your gender? Also, are there any laws in NY that require me to use the bathroom of my gender or anything?

[Dena]

I transitions as an adult so I can't speak from experience, but I suspect the school may allow you to use a teachers bathroom. The reason this is a good idea is children your age can be mean and if they know your history, someone may have a surprise waiting for you when you use the bathroom. As adults we get away with it because our history isn't known or when it is, everybody is accepting. I have seen companies where the person transitioning uses only one bathroom and the others are allowed to use it if they are comfortable.

[suzifrommd]

New York state law and federal policy require that you not be discriminated against when you use the restroom.

Please stand up for yourself if your school does not respect your rights. There are organizations such as Lambda Legal, the Transgender Law Center, and the American Civil Liberties Union that can help you understand your rights. Your school does not want to risk an expensive lawsuit that could come from one of those if they violate law.

You have a right to safe use of the proper restroom. Please do not accept anything less.

[maiLMan]

New York state law and federal policy require that you not be discriminated against when you use the restroom.

Please stand up for yourself if your school does not respect your rights. There are organizations such as Lambda Legal, the Transgender Law Center, and the American Civil Liberties Union that can help you understand your rights. Your school does not want to risk an expensive lawsuit that could come from one of those if they violate law.

You have a right to safe use of the proper restroom. Please do not accept anything less.

Oh, nice. I was looking around the internet and couldn't find anything, so thanks

Can you show me where you found that, though? I can't find it on any of the websites lol

[suzifrommd]

Oh, nice. I was looking around the internet and couldn't find anything, so thanks

Can you show me where you found that, though? I can't find it on any of the websites lol

The 2010 Dignity for All Students Act outlaws discrimination based on gender identity in NY state. Title XI of the civil rights code outlaws it nationwide.

[Sam Alexei]

Just in case, it's always good to confirm beforehand with a counselor or someone you trust at the school. That way, if there are any issues, things are on your side that you had already communicated with the faculty! That's just my (paranoid) opinion, however. The laws in the state of New York are on your side. Good luck!

[Hecknado]

Hi
Im stealth at school, started at a new highschool in February. Im in new Zealand, so I think some of the laws are different, and I spoke with the dean and the admin dude and I use the bathroom in the sickbay, although that's annoying since its in the office where everyone is coming and going etc etc...
I would probably be able to use the bathrooms, but im pre-T or anything, plus the bathrooms here are sorta odd, theres about 5 small blocks throughout the school, small, I think 3 cubicles. Also some people in my year know im trans so it would be awkward if I met them in there.
When I start testosterone, ill end up using the guys rooms.
hope this helps, and good luck. Also, will you use a STP?
-david