I live in the Southern US, specifically Arkansas, a place that has a (mostly) deserved reputation for not being the most trans friendly environment in the world. That said, I've found a story that makes me hopeful for this little corner of the US.
My sister is a teacher at a small, rural middle school. Last year, one of her students approached her, and asked her how she would feel if one of her students asked to be known by another name and to have other gender pronouns. My sister, being the awesome woman she is, said that she would have no problem with that and asked if there was anything the student would like to tell her.
He told her that he identified as male, and would like to be known by his chosen male name. She then asked if he was out with his parents, so that if she did use his name and pronouns, she wouldn't accidentally out him. He said that he was out with them. She also asked if he was prepared for his classmates to know, and he said that he was, and that some of his friends already did.
Happily, there was no problem with the classmates that didn't know, and everyone in the school, teachers and students alike, are happily using proper names and pronouns. His parents and siblings are also reportedly very supportive.
It makes me feel like this place is a little more welcoming than its portrayed in the media, and that maybe a little more exposure to Trans people can help this state.
