TENI

Earlier this year, the Department of Education launched guidelines on supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students in second-level schools. It provides the first-ever guidance on dealing with transgender pupils and offers practical suggestions for tackling issues such as uniform, transphobic language, toilets and changing facilities.

When Kildare mum Catherine Cross's son, Lucas first came out as transgender, at age 15, she says it was a difficult learning curve: "When we started this process, I was thinking, 'there's no way I can do this'."

At the time, Lucas was about to begin sixth year, and Catherine hoped he would wait until he finished school before making a transition.

"But it was too distressing for him. We were calling him male pronouns at home and female pronouns outside, and it was so stressful that we decided to go ahead and do it."

Catherine changed Lucas's name by deed poll, which made it easier for the school to use his new name on the register and official documents.

Lucas' school in Rathangan, Co Kildare, was co-educational, and the uniform policy allowed both sexes to wear trousers, so that hadn't been a problem.

"The only thing that was different was that he had a new name and a new pronoun. At the end of the day, I've got a really happy child, and we've got a sense of normality back in our house," says Catherine.

She is now the Education Officer for the Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI), and provides training workshops for schools on how to support a transgender student.

She works mostly with post-primary schools, but has heard from six primary schools since September.

"Most schools want to do it right, they just don't know where to start. It's about finding out what the student needs to stay in school, and making it as easy as possible so that everybody - not just the student - is comfortable."

Although every child's experience is different, Catherine says: "Once everybody is aware of the issues, we have really positive outcomes. Very often, if I go back to a school a month later, they'll say it's old news, they've moved on."

One school that has had a positive outcome is Castleknock Community College, Co Dublin. which dealt with its first gender transition in 2013.

During the summer break, a Junior Cert student approached the school about their intention to transition from male to female. Principal John Cronin reached out to TENI, which delivered a workshop to staff, and the Social, Personal and Health Education teacher spoke with the other students to address any questions or discomfort.

In the guidelines, it is noted that some transgender students may feel so uncomfortable that they may not use the school toilets, which can impact on their health.

Mr Cronin explains that as they are a large school with 1,150 students, they were able to assign gender-neutral toilets.

"I won't say it was seamless, but we were in regular contact with the parents and the student, and they were very comfortable with everything. She is now fully integrated in the identity that she wants, and she feels safe, and that is very important," he says.

Mr Cronin says the guidelines are overdue and a great resource for principals: "You can't just fly the rainbow flag, you have to create a positive culture."

The guidelines were developed in conjunction with the Gay and Lesbian Equality network (GLEN).

Sandra Irwin-Gowran, director of education for GLEN, says it came about following an array of requests from schools and the Joint Managerial Body, which represents 400 second-level schools across Ireland.

She acknowledges that gender transitions may be more complicated in single-sex schools: "Comparatively, that is an issue. It is difficult for a student in that context.

"It's up to each individual school. There are some schools that are hugely attached to their uniforms, and to them it's almost sacrosanct. But if they keep the students' wellbeing at the centre, they will be able to come up with a solution that works for everybody," she says.

Ms Irwin-Gowran believes it may take some time before the guidelines are implemented in schools.

"Most schools are only beginning to address LGBT issues. Because of the fantastic year we had last year with the marriage referendum, the danger is that we think it's so easy now for young people.

"But, it can be very difficult for a young person to realise their LGBT identity, particularly where they sense they they won't be supported. There's still work to be done, but there is great willingness to do that work," she says.

Name and pronoun: When a student comes out as transgender, they may choose to change their first name to match their preferred gender. Respect the student by using the correct gender, name and pronoun when addressing them.

Uniform: Transgender students should be allowed to wear a uniform that corresponds with their gender identity. In single-sex schools, it may be necessary to introduce specific accommodations for the student.

Single-gender activities: Separate activities for boys and girls, both sporting and academic, should be reduced or eliminated.

Toilets and changing rooms: Transgender students should be able to use toilet and changing facilities that are congruent with their gender. Gender-neutral toilets may prevent students feeling singled out during transition.

Language: Teachers are encouraged to speak openly about LGBT issues and to prohibit transphobic language in any situation, as well as explain to students why such language is offensive.

Single-sex schools: It is possible for a transgender student to remain in a single-sex school without altering the status of the school. The school's responsibility to the student is unchanged.

This article was published on 06/04/2016. Originally available here.