School Counselors - Helping Students Rule Their Experiences (GSCA 2025 Annual Conference)
What's In a Name?: Navigating Preferred Name Use with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students
Friday, November 14, 2025 at 8:30 AM–9:30 AM EST
Pecan (40 seats)
Target Audience
Middle/High School
Additional Target Audience (e.g. Target Audience is School Administrator with an Additional focus on Elementary)
Counselor Educator/Supervisor
Primary focus area of your proposal
Advocacy
Session Summary
Navigating the use of preferred names in the school setting can be challenging. Balancing responsibility to students, parents, educators, and the school can place a school counselor in a complicated situation. School counselors need the tools to navigate the murky waters surrounding this issue. Participants will explore research on the benefits and pitfalls of using preferred names in the school setting, examine ethical guidelines, legal implications, and receive suggestions for creating safe spaces for all students.
Presenters
Elizabeth Lindsey, Paulding County, P.B. Ritch Middle School
Tim Plumley, Douglas County, Alexander High School
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