Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students’ Rights

Gender identity means a person’s internal feelings of being a man, woman, both, or neither.

Everyone has a gender identity. Your gender identity may or may not match with the sex listed on your birth certificate. Your gender identity may or may not be visible to other people.

Students who consider themselves to be transgender and/or gender non-conforming are also protected under Minnesota law. 

Every student in Minnesota has the right to an education. Your gender identity does not make that right any different or less. 

All students have the right to go to school in a safe and supporting environment.

NO! Under Minnesota law, you can use bathrooms and locker-rooms in line with your gender identity. Making a transgender student use a different bathroom or locker-room because of their gender identity is discrimination and is not allowed. 

NO! The Minnesota State High School League states that all students can take part in sports that are in line with their gender identity or expression. Making a transgender or gender nonconforming student play on a team that goes against their gender identity is not allowed. 

NO! All Minnesota students are protected against harassment, discrimination, and bullying.       

There are laws that protect all students from harassment, discrimination, and bullying based on sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation. 

 The Minnesota Human Rights Act

The Safe and Supportive Minnesota Schools Act

Try talking to your teacher, principal, or other trusted adult.  

You can also talk to:

• Your school district’s Title IX Coordinator 
   
• Minnesota Department of Human Rights
  Phone: (651) 539-1121