It’s the time of year (on this side of the planet, at least) when the new school year is beginning. For most kids, going back to school is a mix of excitement and anxiety. And the older you get, the social dynamics often heighten the anxiety. This is generally amplified for young people who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ or are beginning to think they might. It makes an already stressful situation all the more difficult.

This is heightened by the increased political and social discrimination queer and trans folks are facing, especially if you are trans, non-binary, intersex, etc. Protections have been weakened, some schools are required to involve parents in decisions that once could remain private, and politicians turning their identities into matters for public debate. Even where laws are not involved, school can still feel terrifying.

This is why we have to be actively engaged in educating people in our families, schools, churches, and governments. We have to be advocating for protections and being as present as we are able for the most vulnerable among us. Where ever we have influence and a voice, we need to be working to make the world safer and more just for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth.

So, as the busyness of a new school occupies your time and energy, be sure to make people know, through word and deed, that you have their back.