Dear Editor,
State Sen. Chris Rothfuss’s objection to the draft legislation that would require schools to notify parents about the health of their child, including gender transitioning, is a perfect example of why the kids of today no way resemble the respectable, well-behaved (mostly) kids of years gone by.
By putting the “concerns” of an adolescent who, mind you, is still maturing and developing, ahead of long-term consequences is irresponsible. Often times when this is an issue, they are at an all-time high in hormones and emotions and very susceptible to the flashy trends of today.
By cutting the parents out of discussions and decisions regarding their child, the child gets put on a path that the school has no responsibility for after the child’s life is irreversibly changed, and they move on from the school system.
Many of these kids will need counseling and support to get through the challenges these choices have. Not having their parents as a support system, in my opinion, is one of the reasons the suicide rates are so high in the transgender community.
According to the National Institute of Health (this is not an endorsement for the NIH), an April 2020 study [found that] “…..82% of transgender individuals have considered killing themselves and 40% have attempted suicide, with suicidality highest among transgender youth.”
The schools have no responsibility for the long-term affects of transitioning on the youth. After they have moved on academically, they can dust their hands off. This is absurd! The school personnel were directly responsible for the transition happening, or even just giving the student the idea that it is a possibility.
If a student has a serious concern about being in the wrong body, this is a discussion that needs the parents involved. It may not be the easiest thing in the short term, but it is the parents who are going to be there for that individual in the long run.
Sincerely,
Douglas Cone
Cheyenne
