Lambda Legal and National Youth Advocacy Coalition Publish Kit to Help Transgender Youth Work Toward Bringing Equality Home

(New York, June 7, 2004) - In a publication released today by Lambda Legal and the National Youth Advocacy Coalition, transgender youth have a one-of-a-kind resource to help them educate others about being a transgender young person.

The 25-page booklet, "Bending the Mold," offers suggestions for making schools safer, helps teens address making bathrooms and locker rooms more accessible and identifies ways to raise the level of discussion about transgender issues in school. The kit includes specific action steps, such as leading a community discussion about transgender issues, drafting a petition to make transgender-friendly policy changes in school and advocating for transgender issues with elected officials and school administrators.

"Young people are identifying as transgender and beginning to transition earlier, and they need the tools to help them educate their parents, peers and schools," said Michael Adams, Director of Education and Public Affairs at Lambda Legal. "We have a broad distribution plan, with the help of National Youth Advocacy Coalition, to get this resource out to the youth who need it most."

"The mere fact that this resource is out there means a lot to transgender youth and sends the message to other young people and members of the school community that room must be made to include trans youth in all areas of life -- including school," said M'bwende Anderson, Deputy Director of Program for the National Youth Advocacy Coalition. "This publication will be one more tool available to young people who need support and guidance."

Contact: Lisa Hardaway 212-809-8585 ext.266; pager: 888-987-1971