I needed safe schools because my parents did not have the education to teach me what my feelings about myself were. I needed safe schools because I did not have the education to know about myself. I needed safe schools because I was educated that liking people of the same *** was a sin. I needed safe schools because I was taught that I was wrong to feel the way I felt about myself. I needed safe schools because my peers do not know how to talk respectfully to a trans person. I needed safe schools because I had no refuge from the judgement of others. I needed safe schools because I didn't know that transitioning was a possibility. I needed safe schools because I felt I had to suffer in silence, believing I was the only person who felt like I did. I needed safe schools because education is key to a functioning society. I needed safe schools because it is a chance to better the future.