Family Friendly locations in MD for our trans kid (Baltimore: school district, live in)

[Heathrowga]

Hi there.

My husband and I are looking to move to Maryland. His job allows flexibility, but he would have to drive to either Baltimore or DC 1-2x a week. (We live in the suburbs of Atlanta right now.)
We have a trans teen. We want to find him a supportive school district where there are friendly, open-minded kids.
Any suggestions on where to look? Where NOT to look?
Thank you!

[seanlax]

Compared to the rest of the nation, I firmly believe that central MD/DC area school staff in general are more supportive of trans children than elsewhere. That would include Prince George's, Montgomery, Howard, Fairfax VA, Arlington VA and DC itself.

Students, however, are unlikely to be as compassionate. I genuinely believe this will be completely random. Perhaps a current educator has more insight.

I wish you and your family the best; it is a challenging time to have a child in their situation.

[neirbod]

Both Takoma Park and Greenbelt (the old part around Roosevelt Center) are very progressive communities with engaged LGBT groups. I expect one of these may be a good option.

[J_Lurk]

I know of at least a couple trans kids in Howard County schools and I haven't heard of any problems. My kids know them through music programs, so not sure of the schools but I can find out. If your kid is a musician then I can definitely direct to some supportive music programs!

[Rufus Clay Banger]

I second Takoma Park.

[JosephineBeth]

I currently live in Old Greenbelt and it's fine for a trans kid. My daughter's (LGBTQIA) girlfriend in high school is trans and hasn't had issues overall. But I would be specific as Old Greenbelt is NOT all of Greenbelt and there other areas around that are not as safe. That's relative.

However, I have a work colleague who lives in Anne Arundel Co and who has a androgynous appearing son (looks like an Abercrombie and Fitch model frankly) who is still questioning just how he feels about himself and the amount of bullying this 14 year old has endured is tragic. They've filed complaints with the school, the district, and the police. Basically they all say unless he is assaulted they can do nothing even though there are cyber bullying laws on the books. He is threatened in person and online constantly, there are obscene photo's posted online and they have threatened to assault him. He is depressed and has spent time in a residential facility. The area they live in is a bit more rural and has almost no diversity of any sort and is very intolerant. I cannot even tell you how many times I have wanted to go to the school myself and have at them - but this is not my family and all I can do is to be there and give whatever advice I have.

So - I advise against that county at all costs. I cannot say how Annapolis and the immediate area around it is - but I would tell you if you go east of DC as you start getting a bit more "rural" feeling I would turn around and go back to a city area.

I would actually recommend Columbia area or Montgomery Co like Rockville, Silver Spring, etc. I don't know much about NOVA - so others would have to weigh in on that.

[G1..]

Originally Posted by seanlax

Compared to the rest of the nation, I firmly believe that central MD/DC area school staff in general are more supportive of trans children than elsewhere. That would include Prince George's, Montgomery, Howard, Fairfax VA, Arlington VA and DC itself.

Students, however, are unlikely to be as compassionate. I genuinely believe this will be completely random. Perhaps a current educator has more insight.

I wish you and your family the best; it is a challenging time to have a child in their situation.

LOL, based on what?