Gavin Grimm, the 16-year-old transgender high school student in the center of the Gloucester High School restroom use policy, has spoken out since his camp filed a lawsuit against the school.
Gavin Grimm has always struggled internally when it came to gender issues and its social effects. The transgender student was backed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in filing a lawsuit against Gloucester High School for not allowing the student to use the men's bathroom. ACLU is still seeking court order that requires the school board to allow Grimm to use the boy's restroom despite the fact that he was born female.
In a recent post, it seems that Grimm has developed a better understanding of himself despite being in the middle of the controversy. The student revealed that he has a "renewed passion" and that he is keen on trying out new things.
"I've come very far from the negative, angry, upset person I was before. As opposed to who I was when I was not myself, I am now more assertive, outgoing and positive. I have a renewed passion for living and experiencing new things," said Grimm, in a report by The Daily Press.
"I still like reading, writing, drawing, video games, going places and hanging out with friends. Really my interests haven't changed very much but my level of enjoyment has changed," added the student in the same phone interview recorded by The Daily Press.
On Wednesday, oral arguments are scheduled to take place over the school's restroom policy. Grimm's lawyers are seeking the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond to overrule a Norfolk federal judge for an injunction that would allow him to use the boy's restroom when this year's academic year starts on September.
The appeal also wishes for the judge to be replaced. U.S. District Judge, Robert Doumar, stated that the school is merely protecting a constitutional right by not allowing Grimm to use the boy's rest room. On Thursday, Doumar explained his decision to deny the injunction that would have allowed Grimm to use the restrooms.
"The judge's decision is disappointing but an appeal has already been filed. We and Gavin remain focused on achieving a positive outcome at trial and on appeal," said ACLU of Virginia's Legal Director, Rebecca Glenberg, in a separate post on the matter by The Daily Press.
