Grecia Magdaleno, Policy and Advocacy Manager for PHIMC’s Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, speaks to ABC-7 about the years of youth advocacy that resulted in District 211 allowing transgender students access to the locker rooms that align with their gender identity, in “LGBTQ advocates hope Palatine transgender locker room decision leads to more change.”

“The Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago, which empowers young people to advocate for themselves, is currently assisting school districts with new policies and procedures to comply with laws protecting access for transgender students.

“‘They know what they’re talking about, they know what they need and the best thing adults can do is just listen,’ said Grecia Magdaleno of the Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago.

“Officials working on these types of policies expect more school districts in Illinois to put policies in place, not only for transgender students, but also for transgender staff.

“‘We are seeing a large interest across the state in having us facilitate those conversations,’ Magdaleno said.”

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To learn more about our Illinois Safe Schools Alliance work to support LGBTQ students through school policy, youth action, and professional development for school staff, click here.