I was searching the internet for the past couple of days to see if there are any developments in the LGBTQ+ community, and I have found it.
First, there were gender-neutral restrooms in schools, and now there is the option of children no longer choosing male or female when registering for school. According toThe New York Times:
Washington, D.C., schools are the latest, with a small change on the public school enrollment form for next year that some members of the L.G.B.T.Q. community regard as a big step forward: The term "nonbinary," which refers to people who do not identify exclusively as male or female, will be included as a gender choice.
This is a step forward to making sure the LGBTQ+ community is heard and not erased. The New York Times also writes:
Starting this school year, the Oregon Department of Education required that each school district's forms offer students and families at least three gender options: male, female and nonbinary, said its communications director, Marc Siegel. But Mr. Siegel noted that in Oregon, each school district can draft its own forms. Districts are encouraged to use the term "nonbinary" and not just have the third option be marking an "X" for gender, he said in an email.
I feel that this should have been changed a long time ago. I feel bad for the non-binary members who have to explain why they don't identify as either gender, or having to be forced to choose "other" an option for non-binary and other identities.
Parents voiced their opinions about the change, regarding gender options on forms. Via The New York Times :
"Seeing yourself represented intentionally on documentation — not just as a block that says 'other' — is a really good move," said Adalphie Johnson, who has a daughter who graduated from a public school in Washington and a son who is currently a junior at one.
"I had three friends who were seniors last year who identify as nonbinary, and this would have made life so much easier for them since it would have formally recognized their preferred gender identity," said Will Beckerman, a 15-year-old sophomore at School Without Walls High School in Washington, who identifies as a transgender male. He said the change would "help a lot of other kids understand what being nonbinary means.
My only hope is that more schools all over the country follow suit, and include "non-binary" and other identities as a gender option when children apply to high schools and college. Choosing "Other" or "Prefer Not to Answer" shows that people who identify as "transgender," "agender," "non-binary," etc. don't matter or exist in this world.
I also hope that this changes when completing applications for available job positions. People in the LGBTQ+ community shouldn't have to be forced to choose "male or female," or have to disclose the reason why that portion of the application wasn't completed to the hiring manager during the interview.
YAY FOR PROGRESS!
