Youngkin calls for gender-neutral bathrooms

OAN Brooke Mallory
UPDATED 6:30 PM – Friday, March 10, 2023

Niko, a transgender 17-year old student from Virginia, asked Glenn Youngkin about Virginia’s policy on gender identity in public schools.

Virginia voters attended the Thursday meeting. It covered topics like education, student mental and safety.

Youngkin (Republican-Va.) called Niko to ask a question. The high school student was surprised by the unexpected response.

Niko asked Youngkin his opinion on gender identity and how he felt about transgender students joining certain sports teams and using their preferred bathrooms.

Many Democrats and the LGBTQ+ community have accused Youngkin of supporting anti-trans policies that threaten transgenders’ quality life.

They also claim that he’s lowered protections for trans students.

Youngkin issued a set of restraining guidelines last fall to all Virginia schools concerning transgender students. He explained that he believed it was important to be inclusive for all students, and not just one group.

Some of these guidelines suggested that transgender students might have greater difficulty changing their name or gender presentation at school.

Niko noted that the transgender man they identified with was Youngkin and pressed Youngkin to discuss his policies and suggestions that would limit trans students’ participation school sports and their use restrooms.

“Your transgender policies require students play on the sports teams and use the restrooms that correspond with their sex assigned at birth… Look at me, I am a transgender man. Do you think the girls in my high school would feel comfortable sharing a restroom with me?” Niko was a good question.

Youngkin continued on to discuss his beliefs in strengthening parent/child relationships, and how it was important to be honest with your guardians in order for you to make informed decisions in your daily life.

“I believe first, when parents are engaged with their children, you can make good decisions together… I also think there are lots of students involved in this decision,” Youngkin answered.

Niko appeared confused as if Niko’s answer did not really answer their questions. She also seemed dismissive and vague.

Youngkin went on to discuss the need to improve school plumbing infrastructure. Youngkin also discussed gender-neutral toilets to allow people to choose the bathroom they prefer.

“That’s why I have said many, many times, we just need extra bathrooms in schools… We need gender-neutral bathrooms so people can use the bathrooms that they, in fact, are comfortable with,” Youngkin said.

He also explained how his sports policy is very clear, non-contentious and supports any progress made. “women in sports.”

“Again, I think these are very difficult discussions and I am very, very glad to see you and your dad here together,” explained Youngkin.

Youngkin’s answer disappointed Niko and their father. Many are now praising the governor of Virginia for appearing to avoid the question.

This public discussion is also happening at a moment when many transgender Oklahoma students are suing state over similar policies. They do not want the state to force them to use restrooms or change rooms designated for their assigned sex at Birth.

Youngkin ended up doubling down on some of his own education policies, which were seen as controversial by others. However, he also expressed his disgust for them. “inherently divisive concepts, including critical race theory,” This academic structure examines the impact of racism on both institutions and everyday life.

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