University Warns Trans Students They're Targets, Comforts Them With Cotton Candy and Crayons

School can be stressful, but one Northwestern institution is intent on easing the anxiety.

As tweeted by self-described Portland State University (PSU) “red-pilled literary professor” Michael Weingrad, college President Stephen Percy recently issued an impassioned letter. His missive speaks to the trans and traumatized.

The President tells attendees they’re under attack:

Dear Campus Community,

Recent headlines have pointed out that anti-trans bills in legislatures across the country have doubled since last year, with 469 bills introduced and 38 new laws on the books in 13 states. Many loud voices have made no secret of their desire to target trans, nonbinary and gender-diverse people.

What sorts of measures are at issue? These, according to pro-transgender TransLegislation.com:

[I]n 2023, we’ve seen an escalation on healthcare, as states like Kansas, Oklahoma, and South Carolina introduce bans on gender-affirming care that extend into adulthood — up to 26 years old.

In educational settings, bills like AZ HB1700 encourage parents to report and ban books which “promote gender fluidity or gender pronouns.” Others like AZ SB1001 require that both a guardian and teacher approve of a student’s pronouns.

We’ve also seen the rise of “drag bans” targeting gender non-conforming performance. Bills like AZ SB1026 use broad definitions like dressing “in clothing and makeup opposite of the performer’s […] gender at birth” and using language like “drag show targeting minors” to insinuate harmful intent.

As for Oklahoma’s proposed 26-year-old restriction, SB129’s author — State Sen. David Bullard (R) — has lowered the age to 18 via last month’s submitted SB613. Meanwhile, Arizona’s April-filed SB1026 would prohibit state and federal funds from bankrolling drag shows “targeting minors.”

Putting aside the particulars, President Stephen salutes “safe spaces“:

At Portland State, we are committed to being a safe space for all members of the LGBTQIA+ community to learn and thrive. We recognize the toll of this campaign, and the media that surrounds it, has on the queer and trans members of our community along with their family and friends. Please know that there are resources that all may find supportive in the current environment.

The letter points to PSU’s Queer Resource Center (QRC), which offers “many resources and opportunities to connect and show support.” For instance, an hour-long “trans social space” called “T-Time” will be hosted every Friday.

Additionally, donations can be made to the QRC Foundation Account. Such contributions will create “bigger, better and more inclusive Trans Days of Empowerment, Resistance and Resilience” for the upcoming fall semester.

And for those especially stressed, the school has something special in store. Those ravaged by terrible targeting can seek solace in crayons, Cracker Jack-level arts and crafts, and cotton-like spun-sugar confections:

Next week, the QRC will…host “Trans and Gender Expansive Celebration and Community Hour” Monday-Friday 12pm-1pm in the QRC. Cotton candy, temporary tattoos, and coloring will be available. Please bring your PSU ID.

In times long past, many Americans were married with children by their early 20s; some had even invested in their own homes. Contemporarily, similarly-aged citizens eschew a fast-boil to adulthood for a slow percolation. Education assists:

College Schools Students and Staff on Microaggressions’ ‘Death by a Thousand Cuts’ and the ‘Myth of Meritocracy’

Southern University Tells Students They’re ‘Harmed’ and ‘Need’ Affirmation

Yale Psychiatrist Calls Verbal Assault ‘Just as Detrimental as Physical Violence’

In Order to Attack ‘Systemic Racism,’ a School Eliminates Failure and Time Constraints

University Students Demand More LGBT Support — Counseling, Safe Spaces and a ‘Relaxation Room’ Aren’t Enough

University Teaches Pulverized Pupils to Rumble With Racism — by Taking Naps

Illinois University Attempts to De-Stress Its Brave but Struggling Students With Tricycles and LEGO

PSU provides pupils with auxiliary avenues of safety:

Elsewhere in Portland, The Q Center also provides several affinity and support groups and New Avenues for Youth offers a Sexual & Gender Minority Youth Resource Center (SMYRC), a safe, harassment-free space for queer and trans youth ages 13-23.

PSU community members who have experiences discrimination, harassment, or bias based on gender identity or sexual orientation are encouraged to make a report with the Office of Equity and Compliance.

“Relationships are what make the Portland State community strong,” President Stephen proclaims. “Let’s care for one another and continue our shared work to create a campus free from hate.”

The letter is also signed by “Vice President, Global Diversity & Inclusion Ame Lambert.”

With the aid of cotton candy, cool tattoos, and Crayola, will PSU students persevere? They’ve got a solid shot — the school is unquestionably committed to their success:

University President Sends a Letter Announcing the School's Top Priority: Racial Justice and Equity
https://t.co/6BKhBYaryb

— RedState (@RedState) January 6, 2021