Transgender student: Add gender-neutral bathrooms at Round Lake High

A transgender student at Round Lake High School says he's trying to get more bathrooms converted to gender-neutral use in the building.

While acknowledging there is a designated gender-neutral bathroom near the school cafeteria, senior Jonas Valentine, 18, of Round Lake Park, said it's not enough. His effort became public Thursday through an online petition he started seeking support on Care2.

“I just think they should be more scattered around the school, because it's really big,” said Valentine, who came out as transgender in January. He formerly was a female, known as Alicia Macias.

Round Lake Area Unit District 116 spokeswoman Heather Bennett said any student with concerns is encouraged to talk with administrators or other officials. She said administrators are expected to meet with Valentine on Friday.

“We support the rights of all of our students,” Bennett said.

She said the high school designated the gender-neutral washroom last year.

Valentine, who plans to major in journalism at Rochester College in Michigan, said he believes he's gained backers for his online petition since former Olympic gold-medalist Bruce Jenner announced last week that he's transgender. Valentine said while he won't benefit, he hopes his effort for more gender-neutral bathrooms will make life easier for future Round Lake High students.

“I'm willing to do anything that makes a difference for transgenders,” he said.

At least one transgender student attends Stevenson High School District 125 in Lincolnshire, and others have in the past, spokesman Jim Conrey said. Administrators allow the students to use the bathrooms of their choice.

“If you're comfortable, use the bathroom you identify with,” Conrey said.

If a transgender student isn't comfortable using a gender-specific bathroom, officials look for other options — such as letting the teen use a staff bathroom, Conrey said.

Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 spokeswoman Mary Todoric said pupils there choose the bathroom they are most comfortable using. If a student requests a gender-neutral bathroom, District 128 provides it, she said.