Trans Rights "discussion" in class

[Anonymous]

Last week in one of my son's highschool classes there was a discussion about Civil Rights. The teacher brought up trans rights and asked the class what they thought about trans people being able to play sports that affirmed their gender. Then proceeded to ask what the class thought about the "bathroom issue." My son was very uncomfortable as several students discussed why they didn't think trans people should have the right to play sports, use the bathroom they feel most comfortable in, etc. The teacher said it a discussion and when one other student, who identifies as trans, complained that they were uncomfortable and thought it bordered on inappropriate, the teacher said everyone has a right to their opinions. Are we being overly sensitive, or is this just not really an appropriate subject to "debate" trans rights in our current climate in the classroom while trans kids are sitting there?

[Anonymous]

I agree with your kid. I feel incredibly angry on their behalf. I'm sorry this happened, and it truly sucks.

What are you going to do?

[Anonymous]

A respectful discussion is one of the greatest benefits of being in a class. Learning another viewpoint and learning how to respectfully disagree is exactly what I want my kid learning how to do in school.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like I would disagree with your son, but I agree that it’s not appropriate to discuss in a class with a trans student in it.

[Anonymous]

god, I can't imagine sitting in a room of my peers and an authority and having them all debate whether my very real identity should or should not be accepted in society. I can't imagine peers and authority debating whether I'm allowed to use a bathroom.

No one sees anyone's bits in a bathroom, people. There are stalls. Settle down.

[Anonymous]

You don sounds insecure and immature.

So what if someone doesn’t agree with his opinion. Does everyone always have to agree with him?

[Anonymous]

Son*

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:god, I can't imagine sitting in a room of my peers and an authority and having them all debate whether my very real identity should or should not be accepted in society. I can't imagine peers and authority debating whether I'm allowed to use a bathroom.

No one sees anyone's bits in a bathroom, people. There are stalls. Settle down.

I see you sidestepping the sports issue.

[Anonymous]

I was raised by gay married parents when gay marriage/families was very much the topic de jour and often discussed in class. Obviously this meant people said in front of me that they didn’t think the family I was being raised in should be permissible. Do you all really think those discussions should have been shut down? I definitely don’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:god, I can't imagine sitting in a room of my peers and an authority and having them all debate whether my very real identity should or should not be accepted in society. I can't imagine peers and authority debating whether I'm allowed to use a bathroom.

No one sees anyone's bits in a bathroom, people. There are stalls. Settle down.

Problem is some high schools have removed the stall doors. And, kids change and shower in the open in the locker rooms. So, yes, bits can be seen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:god, I can't imagine sitting in a room of my peers and an authority and having them all debate whether my very real identity should or should not be accepted in society. I can't imagine peers and authority debating whether I'm allowed to use a bathroom.

No one sees anyone's bits in a bathroom, people. There are stalls. Settle down.

Problem is some high schools have removed the stall doors. And, kids change and shower in the open in the locker rooms. So, yes, bits can be seen.

So gay students can see “bits”.

[Anonymous]

I think it’s a good discussion and both sides have fair points. If your child is trans then yes I can see them feeling uncomfortable. I don’t think topics should be forbidden if it makes kids uncomfortable as long as it an upper level class, and the students are mature and thoughtful in making their arguments.