Societies across the globe have throughout time have not only seen, but embraced individuals with genders different than what was assumed by their sex organs. Trans people, whether public with their gender identity or not, have contributed to and supported our communities since ancient times. But humanity, not history, should compel us to protect our trans friends, neighbors, children, and peers.
We teach our children from their earliest years to be themselves and care for others. Yet, adults every day allow trans youth to be the target of vicious harassment and attacks. Trans students should be uplifted, not alienated, by school administrators. Students learn by example, and in allowing individuals to express their gender in a way that is authentic to themselves while not tolerating the bully-ish behavior from closed-minded individuals (who have not bothered to learn about gender and sex, and are unjustifiably interested in someone else's genitals) is how we build a society that is compassionate, collaborative, and interested in the success to all.