Establish a Safe Haven Sanctuary for Trans Individuals in Holliston, MA
Establish a Safe Haven Sanctuary for Trans Individuals in Holliston, MA
The Issue
We, the citizens of Holliston, MA, are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In line with the community's objectives outlined in the Holliston Strategic Plan 2025 - 2029 we aim to establish a Safe Haven Sanctuary for transgender individuals in Holliston. This sanctuary will provide a safe space for vulnerable members of our community and will symbolize our dedication to acceptance and allyship.
According to the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey, alarming statistics about our local LGBTQ+ youth highlight the urgent need for action: 32% report being bullied at school, with 29% targeted because of their sexual identity. These youth experience higher rates of cyberbullying (27% compared to 18% for their peers) and report feeling less connected to their schools. Additionally, they face increased levels of stress and anxiety, with 41% describing their lives as “very” stressful. Many also report significant rates of depressive symptoms and self-injury compared to their heterosexual peers.
Many LGBTQ+ students do not report harassment due to a lack of confidence in the school's response. One-third have missed school because they felt unsafe, and a staggering 61% of victimized youth never report their experiences.
Statewide statistics further emphasize the pressing need for change. Approximately 39,000 LGBTQI+ youth aged 13 to 17 include about 2,150 transgender individuals. Many report facing bullying, with 44% experiencing verbal harassment based on sexual orientation and 15% facing physical harassment due to gender identity. Alarmingly, 61% do not report these incidents, and 40% encounter anti-LGBTQI+ discrimination in schools, disproportionately affecting transgender and nonbinary students.
Let us unite for progressive change. Please sign this petition and share it to amplify our voices.
Gratefully, Sara Stalnaker
10
The Issue
We, the citizens of Holliston, MA, are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
In line with the community's objectives outlined in the Holliston Strategic Plan 2025 - 2029 we aim to establish a Safe Haven Sanctuary for transgender individuals in Holliston. This sanctuary will provide a safe space for vulnerable members of our community and will symbolize our dedication to acceptance and allyship.
According to the MetroWest Adolescent Health Survey, alarming statistics about our local LGBTQ+ youth highlight the urgent need for action: 32% report being bullied at school, with 29% targeted because of their sexual identity. These youth experience higher rates of cyberbullying (27% compared to 18% for their peers) and report feeling less connected to their schools. Additionally, they face increased levels of stress and anxiety, with 41% describing their lives as “very” stressful. Many also report significant rates of depressive symptoms and self-injury compared to their heterosexual peers.
Many LGBTQ+ students do not report harassment due to a lack of confidence in the school's response. One-third have missed school because they felt unsafe, and a staggering 61% of victimized youth never report their experiences.
Statewide statistics further emphasize the pressing need for change. Approximately 39,000 LGBTQI+ youth aged 13 to 17 include about 2,150 transgender individuals. Many report facing bullying, with 44% experiencing verbal harassment based on sexual orientation and 15% facing physical harassment due to gender identity. Alarmingly, 61% do not report these incidents, and 40% encounter anti-LGBTQI+ discrimination in schools, disproportionately affecting transgender and nonbinary students.
Let us unite for progressive change. Please sign this petition and share it to amplify our voices.
Gratefully, Sara Stalnaker
10
The Decision Makers
Petition created on March 16, 2025