Hi John, 

Our family is squeezing in those last few days of summer as we head back to school. But that’s not all I’m thinking about as the school year starts: one of my children is transgender—as are many of the millions of students returning to classrooms around the country—and unfortunately, many of our schools remain unsafe places for them. 

As a mom and an educator, I can tell you firsthand the emotional toll that these legislative attacks—bans on health care, on sports, on bathrooms, and even on books—have on parents, teachers, and especially our youth. My heart breaks for the family of Nex Benedict and others like them who must live with the tragic consequences of the political games played by anti-trans elected officials. We have to do more to protect our most vulnerable students.

When I was doing interviews for my book, The Advocate Educator’s Handbook: Creating Schools Where Transgender and Non-Binary Students Thrive, I heard from a twelve-year-old trans youth named Griffin. She noted that “all the trans and nonbinary kids will someday be voters who will vote for trans-affirming candidates, and that gives me hope.” We need to give Griffin, my trans child and all other youth who are feeling the brunt of these attacks, hope now. While they have years to wait, we can elect lawmakers now who believe that every student, no matter who they are should be able to come to school and feel safe and respected there.

With election day approaching, I especially want to remind everyone that we are not just voting for a president. Every vote counts, up and down the ballot, including those local and state positions that directly impact our communities. We often forget about school board elections, but members of the school board play a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape and making decisions that affect everything from budgets to bathroom policies.

Your vote, especially for local and state school officials, can help create a safer and more affirming educational environment for all students, including those who are trans and nonbinary. So, as you head to the polls or prepare your mail-in ballot, please take a moment to consider all the races, not just the ones making headlines in the newspaper or on TV.

If you still need to register to vote, Advocates For Trans Equality has got you covered.

Thank you for being an engaged and informed voter, and helping to protect trans and nonbinary students! Have a great school year! 

Best regards,

Vanessa Ford

Advocates for Transgender Equality

Formerly known as: