The students who found a home
High School is rough for everyone. But for these trans and nonbinary students, it’s inspired them to find safety and promote joy.
In the past two years, Arizonans have found themselves talking a lot about what public school looks like. We’ve discussed teacher pay, how the COVID pandemic has upended learning styles, and student safety. But more than usual, we’ve also been discussing gender and sexuality on campuses and what that means for students.
Last legislative session, Republicans in the state capitol and on school boards have focused heavily on limiting how kids can identify in school, what books they can read, and which students should be talking about themselves and their individuality. Almost all of the conversations are coming from older adults who have power over the youth, leaving student voices unheard.
As a result, many queer students have turned inward, focusing less on what the government is doing and more on how they can make their schools accepting and safe.
We spoke to four nonbinary and transgender students from across the state to hear what they think about everything, but also how they’ve found happiness and joy on their campuses.