I was troubled to read posts from Ward 4 candidate for Newton City Council, John Chaimanis, about transgender youth. In comments made on the Facebook page “Newton Civic Action Forum” on September 27, 2024, Chaimanis suggests that trans youth in bathrooms and locker rooms are a threat to other students and that teaching about gender identity “forces” children to question themselves. He repeatedly misgenders transgender youth and frames them as “boys in girls’ spaces,” reducing them to their anatomy and effectively denying their existence.

These claims are inaccurate and harmful. Research shows that transgender students are far more likely to be the victims of harassment than to pose danger to others.

School policies that respect students’ identities—such as allowing them to use facilities that match their gender identity and honoring their chosen names and pronouns—reduce depression and suicidality while improving academic outcomes. These policies don’t harm cisgender students; they provide trans youth with the basic safety and dignity all children deserve.

It is profoundly disheartening to see someone running for public office in Newton promote such harmful misinformation. Newton deserves leaders who build trust and belonging for everyone, not those who perpetuate fear and stigma.

Children look to adults for guidance; when leaders embrace tolerance, dignity, and compassion, young people learn these values too. On November 4, I urge voters to choose candidates who will build a Newton where every young person feels safe, supported, and welcome.

Casey Kudesia
Auburndale