YPSILANTI, MI - The blue, pink and white flag raised at Ypsilanti Community Schools on Friday, March 31 meant a lot to high school juniors Ryen and Erich Thomas.

"I'm just very happy to see this happening at a school in such a public way to show support," Erich Thomas said. "It's great to see them being very bold and brave about it."

Ryen and Erich - who are twins - both transitioned to identifying as male during their freshman year of high school. They were among about 45 people who gathered outside the YCS administration building Friday for a flag raising ceremony to recognize International Transgender Day of Visibility.

The board of education on March 27 passed a resolution making the Transgender Day of Visibility ceremony an annual event, and stating the school district's commitment to opposing discrimination against transgender people.

Ryen and Erich said Ypsilanti Community High School was accommodating in changing their names on their student IDs and class rosters, and they're allowed to use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity.

Still, Erich said they don't always safe going into a boys restroom, so they will seek out the gender neutral bathrooms in the band/choir hall or use the restroom in the office.

"The teachers are very accepting," Erich said. "The trouble comes with the students because they are not as knowledgeable as we would like."

The flag ceremony symbolized a step toward more inclusion and open conversation about what it means to be transgender, the students said.

"I'm like so happy right now, you don't even understand," one transgender student said after the ceremony, hands clasped as he looked up at the flag waving in the wind.

YCS sent an email to parents on Wednesday explaining the Transgender Day of Visibility ceremony. The district posted a Thursday update on social media clarifying that no class time would be designated to transgender topics in support of the event.

Ypsilanti Community Schools Superintendent Ben Edmondson raises a transgender flag outside the school administration building with help from his sons Pierce Edmondson and Harris Edmondson on March 31, 2017.

"Raising the flag is the YCS symbolic gesture of support given to those facing discrimination, hate, and bullying. We are committed to raising awareness on all issues impacting our students," the post stated.

Superintendent Ben Edmondson led the flag raising ceremony, and Mayor Amanda Edmonds and Stephanie White, executive director of Equality Michigan, also spoke at the event. Trustees Meredith Schindler, Maria Sheler-Edwards and Ellen Champagne were in attendance, along with school staff, class presidents and student council representatives, parents and other community members.

Transgender pride flag raised outside Ypsilanti police headquarters: