Speaking up to the fear mongers

In the face of adults in positions of responsibility who were questioning the wisdom of recently adopted guidelines meant to assure the safety and well-being of transgender students in Anne Arundel County, MD, a student rose to speak.

Scott Howarth is a student at Anne Arundel High School and current president of the Chesapeake Regional Association of Student Councils.

Republican County Executive Steve Shuh had questioned whether the new Guidelines were infringing on the rights of students who might be uncomfortable sharing locker rooms or restrooms with transgender students.

County Council Chair Derek Fink, also a republican, had publicly worried that the guidelines were not fair to students who were not transgender.

Howarth said that those who were opposing the new directive were uniformed and motivated by fear.

We are offended that anyone could ever think that the contents of a child's 'underroos' constitutes a situation of concern or an appropriate topic of political discussion.

We cannot imagine a scenario where anyone, parents, students, or nonessential staff, should be informed about the private body parts of a minor.

It's sick.

Howarth also pushed back against statements that transgender students make other students uncomfortable, as well as implications that they may threaten other students.

Growth is painful, but not as painful as being a child with incongruent anatomy, and certainly not as painful as being victimized because an adult, who you trusted, told the parents of your whole class how you are secretly different, so they can avoid you.

--Howarth

We applaud the school system's bravery in the face of controversy and willingness to do the right thing, even if a minority insists that it is not the popular thing.

Share
up
0 users have voted.

Comments

ggersh's picture

holds hope, many thanks to you Robyn for sharing this and the other diaries that I for one haven't paid much attention to.

up
0 users have voted.

I never knew that the term "Never Again" only pertained to
those born Jewish

"Antisemite used to be someone who didn't like Jews
now it's someone who Jews don't like"

Heard from Margaret Kimberley

SnappleBC's picture

I particularly liked this bit...

Growth is painful, but not as painful as being a child with incongruent anatomy, and certainly not as painful as being victimized because an adult, who you trusted, told the parents of your whole class how you are secretly different, so they can avoid you.

--Howarth

As someone who's had is own growth to do on this topic, I completely agree. The thing is, despite what visceral reactions I had years ago, I ALWAYS knew it was my problem and my growth and I always would've defended LG... rights. I was the problem not the people making me uncomfortable.

up
0 users have voted.

A lot of wanderers in the U.S. political desert recognize that all the duopoly has to offer is a choice of mirages. Come, let us trudge towards empty expanse of sand #1, littered with the bleached bones of Deaniacs and Hope and Changers.
-- lotlizard