I would like to express my concerns about the proposed transgender changes in VA schools. As a retired school teacher, I see this as putting teachers at odds with their religious beliefs and whether they will be able or want to continue teaching in the public schools. It will not promote empathy between student and teacher, rather alienation. "Let's see, is Susie a he or she or a they today?"  It also will destroy the fabric of the family structure for families whose beliefs do not concur with these changes. The proposals will set a barrier between parents, child, and school.  As far as allowing transgenders to go into restrooms or gym locker rooms of their "identified" gender, what  about the other students who have low self-esteems and regard their bodies as less than perfect? This also puts students at risk of sexual harassment and abuse. Students of the middle and high school age are very body-conscious, and have not the maturity that goes with age to "look the other way." Younger children flip-flop from day to day in their chosen activities, one day playing with dolls, the next trucks and trains. They do not have the idea of gender-identity unless or until it is introduced to them by outside influences. I feel that these proposals are very detrimental on many levels. Please do not enact these changes in the public schools.