Letter to the Editor: Trans faculty, staff and students belong in Kirkwood.

Transgender faculty, staff and students in the Kirkwood School District (KSD) deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. In light of recent discriminatory events against trans educators, it’s vital that we recognize the gifts that our trans community members bring.

Kirkwood has a history of homophobia and transphobia, with multiple documented instances occurring within the past four years. Luckily, there’s a parallel history of children, parents, teachers, student journalists, alumni, staff and neighbors speaking out against what they know to be wrong. We continue this tradition now not only by signing petitions and voicing concerns to the Administrative Services Center, but also by uplifting trans communities within KSD.

We must stand up for one another in the face of injustice to make clear that hate has no home in Kirkwood.

To transgender students: You bring beauty and joy to school with you each day. It takes incredible strength to reflect on who you are and exist authentically even when it’s not so easy. No matter what you go through personally, there will always be another day, and another day after that. You are worthy of happiness, self-confidence and love.

Never let anyone use your youth against you. You are powerful because you are young and because you know yourself better than anyone else. Your ideas and perspectives are invaluable. Rest assured there will always be someone in your corner to support your own transformation and that of the world around you.

Thank you for existing.

To transgender faculty and staff: Your persistence and resilience can’t be overstated. Even with parents, fellow educators and the school board at your heels, you continue to show up. You continue to be lighthouses for trans kids so they have hope for a future. And, you are also deserving of rest.

Remember that above everything else, you are a person first. None of the good you do in KSD would be possible without your humanity, and we will do everything in our power to affirm your identities as a source of light to us all. Whether you stay in or leave Kirkwood, everyone you connected with is better for knowing you.

Thank you for existing.

Yours in solidarity,

Logan Crews (KHS Class of 2019)

Thomas Birmingham (KHS Class of 2019)

Maisie Bradley (KHS Class of 2019)

Adler Bowman (KHS Class of 2019)

Izzy Colón (KHS Class of 2019)

Kara Rieger (KHS Class of 2019)

Jack Rintoul (KHS Class of 2019)

Bridget Killian (KHS Class of 2019)