PFLAG Fort Collins praises PSD’s gender‑affirming practices, urges continued protections for transgender students

Reggie Johnson, president of PFLAG Fort Collins, told the Poudre School District board during public comment on Sept. 9 that gender‑affirming policies in the district are “literally lifesaving” for transgender and nonbinary students and urged continued support for those students.

“Being transgender is not a decision and it’s not a choice,” Reggie Johnson said. Johnson described families in the district who discovered a child’s transgender identity in crisis settings and warned that harassment and nonacceptance raise serious mental‑health risks. Johnson said PFLAG members “greatly appreciate the gender‑affirming policies and procedures that are in place here at PSD.”

Johnson urged the board to maintain an environment where all students are safe and supported so they can focus on learning. The board did not respond to the individual comments during the public comment period, consistent with its stated practice of not engaging in back‑and‑forth dialogue during community comment.

The remarks came on the same night the board unanimously approved a resolution in support of National Suicide Prevention Month; Larimer County behavioral‑health staff spoke to that resolution earlier in the meeting and highlighted county crisis care resources.

Ending: Johnson’s appeal echoed other speakers’ focus on student well‑being and mental health; board members applauded the community comments and noted ongoing district and county behavioral‑health partnerships.

Source: Public comment by Reggie Johnson at the Sept. 9, 2025 board meeting.