“1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 22.1-23.3 as follows
§ 22.1-23.3.
This is long overdue. As the parent of a 13-year-old cis boy, I can tell you that he and his friends could care less how their fellow students identify, and accept other kids as they are, Affirming a child’s gender identity is critical to their development, and school support is extremely important, especially if kids face hostility outside of the educational setting for simply embracing who they are. Schools should be safe havens for all students, and this policy can go a long way in ending any bullying and encouraging empathy and inclusiveness.