This week, transgender student Alex Sennello wrote about her experience of being a transgender high school student in the US. According to Sennello, schools aren't doing enough to protect students like her – and broad anti-bullying campaigns have oversimplified the unique challenges facing transgender students:

Only when schools are committed to an overhaul will we stop seeing sexually and gender diverse young people harassed and marginalized. Students like me need be able to walk into classrooms where their gender identities are not assumed; find textbooks that include their history; listen to lessons that recognize their existence; use the bathroom without feeling scared or disingenuous; and have their peers, teachers and administrators understand that the identities and experiences of queer people are natural and valuable.

As a part of our series Opening Up, we are 'opening up' the issues Alex raises in her piece to other members of the transgender community. Tell us about your experiences in school (as a teenager or in college): When were the moments that you felt most aware of your gendered and sexual identity? Did teachers or administrators protect you from harassment or bullying? What could your school have done to improve your experience? What should schools do today? Please be specific.

Loading...

We'll feature your responses on the Guardian.

• This article was amended on 12 April 2013. The original said that Alex Sennello was cisexual. She is transgender.