Transgender Students Applaud Bathroom Directive

Kentucky high school sophomore Irene Sizemore hopes a new White House directive means she can start using the school bathroom consistent with her gender identity.  

The 16-year-old Sizemore said Friday she has been forced to use the boys' bathroom at her public school in Louisville, or avoid using the restroom all day.  

Sizemore _ assigned male at birth _ says that using the boys' restroom when she considers herself female is ``weird,'' and signals a lack of acceptance of her self-identity.  

The directive from President Barack Obama's administration says public schools are obligated to treat transgender students in a way that matches their gender identity.  
 
The action is being condemned by some of Kentucky's Republican leaders. Gov. Matt Bevin calls it an ``absurd federal overreach'' that will divide the country.