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Kadence Carter, 17, a transgender teen and former Mayde Creek High School student sits for a portrait at his father's workplace Dec. 8, 2023, in Houston. Kadence unenrolled from the school in August 2023 after constant bullying and a teacher misgendering him following passage of a new Katy Independent School District gender identity policy.
LGBTQ+ Texans

“This school district has failed him”: Trans Katy teen drops out after gender policy passes

The district’s new approach to gender identity has dramatically impacted students like Kadence Carter, who left Mayde Creek High School after it went into effect.

By Miranda Dunlap, Houston Landing

Former Mayde Creek High School student Kadence Carter, 17, is all smiles as he playfully climbs a tree while spending time at his father’s workplace on Dec. 8, 2023, in Houston.

Acceptance, then defeat 

"There’s no hunting"

Then-Mayde Creek High School sophomore Kadence Carter at school Aug. 18, 2022, in Katy. Kadence, a transgender teen, unenrolled from the school after constant bullying and the passage of a new district gender identity policy.
William Carter, a self-described “Papa Bear,” wears embroidered slippers at the League City home he and his son moved into. The father-son duo spent Feb. 16 preparing to move.
Kadence Carter, 17, leans against his father, William, at their new home in League City on Feb. 16.

Trial and error

Educators end their restorative justice circle session with positive affirmations on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, in Houston. Restorative practices provide students and adults with an intentional, inclusive, and respectful way of thinking about, talking about, and responding to behavioral issues.
Kadence Carter, 17, holds incense in the empty bedroom he took in the League City home where he recently moved with his father, William Carter, on Feb. 16.

Cautiously optimistic 

Kadence Carter, 17, caresses his father, William Carter, as they work on moving to a new League City home Feb. 16.
Kadence Carter, 17, carries groceries inside his new home with his father, William, on Feb. 16 in League City.

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