Tag: 2023

Ready to take action in support of our LBGTQ+ students and staff?

Here are a few things you can do, right now, to support.

  • Anti-LGBTQIA forces are rallying to overwhelm input at VA Board of Education input July 27th in Richmond. Consider signing up to speak in person against his dangerous anti-student/anti-family policies in Richmond, VA.
  • Provide written comment REJECTING hate and Youngkin’s hateful “Don’t Say Trans” policies.
  • Write to Superintendent Reid, your FCPS school board representative, and At-Large school board representatives sharing your personal stories and telling them why it is critical that they clearly and unequivocally reject these policies. You can find your school board and legislative officials here along with their contact information. Contact Dr. Michelle Reid at [email protected]. 
  • Attend Equality Virginia’s “Trans resilience in the classroom: VDOE Model Policies” on Wednesday, Aug 2 | 6-7:30PM
    For parents & students. Learn how recently released VDOE model policies may impact trans and nonbinary youth in your community and what you can do now to fight back. Sign up here.

Resources

The news of Governor Youngkin’s “Model Policies On The Privacy, Dignity, And Respect For All Students and Parents In Virginia’s Public Schools” has many of us feeling angry, scared, and uncertain. Below are a few resources that might be helpful right now. Most importantly, know that you are seen and LOVED.

The Trevor Project provide information & support to LGBTQ young people 24/7, all year round. Call, text, or chat anytime you need support at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/. Explore the Resource Center at https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/.

Transgender students and their families and friends, you can find the LGBTQ resources that Gov. Youngkin recently pulled from the Virginia Department of Health website at https://equalityvirginia.org/resources.

FCPS’s page for LGBTQIA+ Student Resources and Supports The link to Regulation 2603.2 which provides gender-expansive and transgender students with an equitable, safe, and supportive school environment is broken but it can be found here.

PFLAG Resources for VA Trans + Nonbinary Youth

2023 VA DOE Model Policies Released

We object to the VA DOE updated model policies. As unbelievable as it is, they are WORSE than those released in 2022. They purport to respect all students and parents, yet they actually manage to disrespect every family and student while specifically targeting our most vulnerable students. We are too smart and kind to fall for this effort to stoke fear, homophobia, and transphobia while imposing logistical and legal chaos on all Commonwealth public schools.

We have spoken to Dr. Reid, who has promised that Fairfax County Public Schools will do the right thing to protect our students, by ensuring that each and every student, including transgender and gender expansive students, will be welcome, safe, included, and respected in our schools.

Stay tuned for action items as we work together to fight this new ‘policy’. Follow us on social media for most current information.

July 2023 Virginia Department of Education Model Policies

July 19, 2023 Northern Virginia Schools Weigh How To Move Forward After Youngkin Issues Transgender Student Policies

July 18, 2023 VEA Statement on Final Transgender Model Policy

July 18, 2023 Richmond Times-Dispatch “Youngkin implements K-12 transgender policy that emphasizes parents’ rights”

Spring 2023 Social

Spring Indoor Bar-B-Cue on Sunday 3/26/23 was a lovely afternoon. Thanks to the venue, the crew, FCPS Pride Board, and all of our speakers.
Kudos to our keynote Mike Axler, FCPS Director, Prevention and Intervention
This afternoon FCPS Pride honored Heather Kirby and Shawn Rubin, counselors who have supported and served the LGBTQIA2S+ community for years. Even in these dark times we find joy in the fellowship and contributions of our “family” and allies.