New Jersey Senator Cory Booker, a 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful, recently shared in an interview with Mara Keisling, the executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality Action Fund, that he not only has a nonbinary family member that has helped him expand his views on LGBTQ rights, but that he has a plan on how to offer better protection for the trans community from within the White House.

As some background, it’s important to note that Booker’s trans activism isn’t new. So far in the 2020 debates, few candidates have brought up LGBTQ issues. While we all remember Rep. Tulsi Gabbard backstepping over her anti-LGBTQ voting record in the first forum, Booker noted, "We do not talk enough about trans Americans, especially African-American trans Americans, and the incredibly high rates of murder right now," that same night.

In the interview (which is embedded at the bottom of this post), Senator Booker introduced how his ‘niephew,’ Avery, helped him become more informed about the issues facing trans youth that are specific to school. “My brother’s child, my ‘niephew’ – which is a combination of niece and nephew – is a trans activist,” he said, “helped their uncle be someone who is more aware of specific issues facing trans youth in schools today.”

It’s been consistently reported that trans youth are at a higher risk of being suspended, dropping out of school, having lower grades, and worse attendance. Probably unsurprising, given that they’re also more likely to be bullied, harassed, and even sexually assaulted than their cisgender peers. Things are getting better, but the world is still incredibly hard for trans people, including trans kids and teenagers.

Perhaps what is most exciting about the interview is that, along with policy ideas, Booker is willing and eager to let trans youth lead the conversation when it comes to legislation that impacts them directly.

“To deny people safe and nurturing environments means that we’re undermining their potential,” Booker said. At the end of the video, he spoke to trans students directly, saying, “I know these have been dark years. But help is on its way. I don’t care what title I hold. You will have stronger and stronger allies in this cause.”