Using two years of data from the California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS), the study for the first time disaggregates data on gender identity and sexual orientation in order to provide a more nuanced picture of LGBTQ students’ experiences in school. Results were presented for three gender identity categories (transgender, cisgender, and not sure) and for five sexual orientation categories (straight, gay/lesbian, bisexual, not sure yet, and something else). The CHKS offers valuable data to school administrators and state officials on how LGBTQ students perceive their school climate and how those perceptions relate to their academic success and emotional well-being.
“Starting with our legislation in California, we are building a coordinated national legislative campaign by LGBTQ lawmakers — a rainbow wall — to provide refuge for trans kids and their families,” Wiener said in a statement. “We’re making it crystal clear: We won’t let trans kids be belittled, used as political pawns, separated from their families, or denied gender-affirming care. We won’t let their parents be criminalized or have their kids taken away. This first of its kind legislative effort sends a clear message both to our community and to those who are attacking our community: We’re all in this together and we’re ready to fight.”
In addition to Wiener’s legislation, bills have also been introduced in New York and Minnesota, along with a public commitment by 16 additional states to introduce transgender refuge bills in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia.