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John, I want to introduce you to Esmée.

She fell in love with basketball at a young age. As she grew, so did her appreciation for sports as a test of mental agility, adapting to change, and persevering through consistently present adversity.

And—as Esmée began struggling with gender dysphoria in 8th grade—she realized some of the hardest-won victories are off the courts.

Because of all-too-common discriminatory policies aimed at student athletes, Esmée came to a stark realization: The choice was basketball or her identity.

At first, Esmée tried her best to hide herself—a grueling emotionally-charged battle that led her to question not only sports, but life itself.

Luckily for Esmée, her school had a GSA.

Her GSA provided a much-needed support system, helped Esmée feel connected to her school, and encouraged her to fully embrace her identity. And now, as she advocates on behalf of other transgender students, Esmée strives to be a role model.





“I hope to be someone youth trans athletes can look to for inspiration and support. I am willing to face the criticism so others can have it easier.”
—Esmée





GLSEN is proud to have a student leader like Esmée on our 2020-2021 National School Council. Stories like hers inspire many of us—myself included—to join in amplifying the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ kids and teens.

But you and I know all too well that for every story like Esmée’s, there are countless others who won’t experience the same positive outcome because they don’t have access to a GSA or live in a growing number of states with anti-LGBTQ laws.

Our work continues.

Melanie Willingham-Jaggers
Interim Executive Director
she/they


GLSEN believes that every student has the right to a safe and inclusive K-12 education.
We are a national network working to make this right a reality.

www.GLSEN.org [[link removed]]
GLSEN Inc. | 110 William Street | 30th Floor | New York, NY 10038 | 212-727-0135 | [email protected]

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