Trans & Gender-Diverse Students

Your gender identity — and how you express it — is an important part of who you are and should be respected at school whether you are cisgender, transgender, gender non-conforming, agender, or non-binary. Trans and gender-diverse youth have been the target of political attacks across the U.S. in recent years, but these students have rights in Nevada.

Nevada also has laws and regulations that protect transgender and gender-diverse students from bullying.

Nevada requires school districts to adopt policies that protect students’ privacy and allow them to use the school facilities that match their gender identity, but it is up to the student’s family to contact the school to create an individualized gender support plan for the student.

If you have had your rights violated by a public school because of your sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, contact the ACLU of Nevada

Do transgender and gender diverse youth have the same rights in private schools?

A.Do transgender and gender diverse youth have the same rights in private schools?

No! Many of the rights guaranteed to students who attend public schools do not apply to private schools, including protections for LGBTQ+ students.

Do transgender and gender diverse youth have the same rights in charter schools?

A.Do transgender and gender diverse youth have the same rights in charter schools?

Yes! Charter schools may not have the same policies as the local school district, but they still must adhere to state education laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination.

Can schools control the way I express my gender through the way I dress?

A.Can schools control the way I express my gender through the way I dress?

No.The First Amendment guarantees your right to free expression, including how you express your gender through clothing. State regulations prohibit public schools from discriminating against students who wish to dress according to their gender identity at school events, at dances, in yearbook photos, and at graduation.

Does the law protect my right to use the restroom/locker room consistent with my gender identity?

A.Does the law protect my right to use the restroom/locker room consistent with my gender identity?

Yes. Nevada law requires all school districts to adopt policies that guarantee transgender and other gender-diverse students a “safe and respectful learning environment.” Your school district must have a process in place that allows your family and school to create an individualized plan about which names, pronouns, restrooms, and locker rooms match your gender identity and will be used at school.

Does the law protect my right to play on a school sports team that matches my gender identity?

A.Does the law protect my right to play on a school sports team that matches my gender identity?

School sports in Nevada are governed by the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association. NIAA policies say that students who are transgender can play with the teams that match their gender identity, but the student’s parent/guardian may need to contact the school’s athletic administrator to make arrangements. Such arrangements are confidential unless the student’s family says otherwise.

Can my school ‘out’ me to my friends, family, or school staff?

A.Can my school ‘out’ me to my friends, family, or school staff?

No. Students’ sexuality, transgender status and gender assigned at birth are confidential information protected by federal privacy laws. A student’s medical privacy is also protected under federal law.

State regulations also require schools to protect students’ privacy and let families decide which names and pronouns will be used in school, including for school IDs, attendance records, written communications, and at school events.

Can my school say who I can bring as my date to prom or other school functions?

A.Can my school say who I can bring as my date to prom or other school functions?

No.The First Amendment and your right to equal protection guarantee you the right to express yourself by bringing whoever you like to the prom or homecoming regardless of sex or gender identity. State laws and regulations also prohibit public schools from discriminating against students at assemblies, dances, ceremonies, intramural activities and other school activities based on gender identity or expression.

What if I’m bullied at school because I am LGBTQ+?

A.What if I’m bullied at school because I am LGBTQ+?

If you report bullying to a teacher or administrator, the school is required to investigate. Don’t suffer in silence.

Can I create an LGBTQ+ school club if my school doesn’t have one?

A.Can I create an LGBTQ+ school club if my school doesn’t have one?

Yes. Nevada laws and regulations allow school students to form a Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) or other LGBTQ-themed clubs, and the school can’t treat it differently from other noncurricular clubs.