In Minnetonka, Minnesota, a 17-year-old transgender teen was allegedly assaulted after using the men’s bathroom at her school.
The Alleged Assault
At Hopkins High School in Minnetonka, a transgender student was allegedly assaulted by one of her peers after using the men’s bathroom.
Details of the Injury
The student, Cobalt Sovereign, was taken to the hospital, where she discovered the assailant had broken her jaw.
Treatment and Recovery
She had to remain in the hospital for 2 days while the doctors repaired her jaw.
Cobalt’s Account
When interviewed by NBC affiliate KARE 11, Cobalt said, “I was hit in the jaw and at the time one of my teeth exploded, pieces in my mouth. My jaw was broken in two places”.
Invasion of Privacy
Cobalt shared, “In the bathroom, he had looked over the stall directly where I was attempting to use the bathroom, and that is where he initially called me a f- (slur) in the first place.”
Unprovoked Attack
“He had no reason to have anything against me, I’ve never talked to him, never done anything negative to him. And I was insulted and then eventually hit in the jaw.”
Challenges With Gender Neutral Bathrooms
While Hopkins High School does indeed have gender-neutral bathrooms, Sovereign explained that they are often out of the way of her classes and usually occupied when she tries to use them.
Choosing the Male Bathroom
So, instead of using her preferred bathroom, she uses the male restroom, stating, “I would rather be uncomfortable than make other people uncomfortable by using the women’s bathroom.”
Police Investigation
The Minnetonka Police Department did not release a direct statement, but instead vaguely said that they were investigating a “possible hate crime”.
School’s Response
Hopkins High School stated, “Hopkins Public Schools is an inclusive community that values diversity and inclusion.”
Commitment to Safety
Continuing, “We will address any issues that compromise the safety and inclusivity of our school environment. We support and stand by any group that is marginalized, including our LGBTQ+ scholars and staff”.
Community Rallies Together
In response to the alleged attack, the community gathered together outside of the school and held a rally in support of Sovereign.
Support From Representatives
The first openly transgender legislator in Minnesota, Democratic State Representative Leah Finke, joined the rally in support of the teen.
Broader Advocacy
Finke posted a picture of herself at the rally speaking out against the alleged assault at Hopkins, as well as the death of another transgender student in Oklahoma.
Historic Year for Anti-Trans Hostility
The past few years have seen a record-breaking amount of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation passed, specifically targeting the transgender community.
The Case of Benedict
In February, a 16-year-old student named Benedict (he/him/they/them) died by suicide after a fight at his high school.
Call to Action
Finke said, “These attacks are too common, and the actions of institutions responsible for our kids are, consistently, underwhelming, negligent, and dangerous”.
A Plea for Prevention
Continuing, “Cobalt lived. Thank goddess. Next (Benedict) did not. Please help us make sure there is no next time”.
21 Beliefs About the Bible That Are Actually False
The Bible is one of the most discussed and debated books in history, yet many common beliefs about it are more myth than fact. How many of these misconceptions have you heard before? 21 Beliefs About the Bible That Are Actually False
21 Subtle Racisms That Are Commonplace in America
Racism in America isn’t always overt; it often hides in plain sight through subtle actions and attitudes. How many of these subtle racisms have you noticed around you? 21 Subtle Racisms That Are Commonplace in America
Only Legal in America: 21 Things You CAN’T Do in the Rest of the World
The U.S. dances to its own beat, especially when it comes to laws that make the rest of the world do a double-take. Here’s a lineup of things that scream “Only in America,” sticking strictly to what’s written in the law books. Ready for a tour through the American legal landscape that’ll leave you wondering if freedom might just be a bit too free? Only Legal in America: 21 Things You CAN’T Do in the Rest of the World
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / rarrarorro.
