Last Wednesday, February 22nd, the White House repealed the federal directive protecting transgender youth in school restrooms. This is an awful step back toward codified bigotry. Kids across the country have been forced to return to bathrooms cause fear and anxiety and real danger. There will be an increase in health issues due to urinary tract infections and dehydration as trans kids do their best not to use the bathroom during school hours again. It's heartbreaking.

We are so incredibly fortunate. The school district that C attends has a policy protecting transgender kids' choice of bathrooms. The superintendent has come out publicly to say that policy will not change. She even added that gender expression is protected! This is a massive departure for anyone in a position of leadership in this neck of the woods, and I couldn't be happier that our superintendent understands the importance of support from the top. But what would it have meant for C if this policy had to be rescinded?

C started her new school as C. Only a very select few know her past as J. Rescinding the bathroom protections could mean she either continues to use the girls' bathroom, in defiance of the rules, and risk discipline that would remain on her permanent record, or come out as trans at a school where she has safely been stealth for months. It would mean that the likelihood of self-harm and suicide attempts may climb again. It would mean that her depression, anxiety and OCD would definitely sky rocket. For many of C's friends, this is the new reality.

What's the good news in the face of this horror? Advocates and allies are coming out of the woodwork. People are calling their legislators, joining advocacy groups and donating to organizations that focus on policies effecting trans folks. People who may never have been politically active are understanding that complacency is what got us where we are and they're getting involved for the first time ever. Previously silent supporters are finding their voices and educating themselves so they can fight the good fight. We cannot give up, guys. I know it's exhausting. I feel as if I'm shouting against the storm but I have to keep shouting. I could never look my daughter in the eye if I wasn't doing positively everything I can to fight for her rights.

I keep hearing "It's not a spring, it's a marathon." Well, I say, it's not a marathon, it's a relay. If you're feeling overwhelmed and tired, hand the baton off to someone else while you rest and recharge. When you're ready, pick it back up and keep running! If we rely on each other for strength, we can do this.