Transgender youth in America face extreme discrimination and bullying from not only their childhood peers but also their teachers, school administrations, churches, and even parents. Passing legislation to protect transgender youth from at least some of this discrimination is extremely necessary. The high rate of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among transgender individuals is largely a result of this constant discrimination, lack of acceptance, and bigotry. Transgender youth deserve to be able to go to school as their true and authentic selves without fear of bullying and backlash. There are so many cases where transgender children have been discriminated against by their teachers and administrations, adults who are supposed to be there to help and nurture ALL children and teens, not just the straight, cisgender ones. 

Furthermore, I believe that the extremely disgusting transphobic and homophobic comments left on this town hall prove just how much vilification these children face and why legislation is necessary to ensure their protection and prosperity.

Those who oppose this legislation are not looking to "protect" their children. Transgender youth are not threats! They are not trying to go into the bathroom of their gender identification to look up girl's skirts. Such stereotypes are used to paint all transgender individuals as sick perverts, a "dangerous other." But I will say it again: The people who oppose this legislation are not looking to "protect" their children, rather, they are looking to protect their "right" to discriminate against transgender people. That is why legislation to protect transgender youth against discrimination is so important.