Colorado Springs, CO – A Colorado first-grader is making headlines by becoming the first transgender youth to legally use a restroom based on gender identity. The Colorado Division of Civil Rights is the first in the country to rule in favor of the matter, which is said to be paving the way for future transgender youth rights. Coy Mathis was declared male at birth, but by the age of 18 months old, he knew he was in the wrong body. He began dressing in girl’s clothes, with family members, peers and even teachers using female pronouns when referring to her. Last December, school officials at Eagleside Elementary School (in Fountain, a suburb of Colorado Springs) told the Mathis family Coy was no longer allowed to use the girls’ restroom. Following the announcement, Coy was pulled out of Eagleside, her parents opting to home-school her instead. Teaming up with GLAAD and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, the Mathis family won their case. Executive director for the Transgender Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Michael Silverman, had high praise for the victory: “This ruling sends a loud and clear message that transgender students may not be targeted for discrimination and that they must be treated equally in school. It is a victory for Coy and a triumph for fairness.”