Cas Martin

What I do:
I work in collaboration with the MA Commission on LGBTQ Youth and the MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) to provide free training and technical assistance for public schools seeking to better support their LGBTQ+ students. I primarily assist schools in developing trans-inclusive policies and practices that are in alignment with Massachusetts’ student anti-discrimination law.

How I ended up working there:
I started working at the Safe Schools Program as a graduate Policy Fellow in the summer of 2021. I loved the summer fellowship so much that I worked with my site supervisor to extend into a yearlong internship--then, the stars aligned when I graduated and the program posted its only Western MA-based full-time role!

The best part of my job:
Collaborating with LGBTQ+ student leaders! I often work with school GSAs (Gender/Sexuality Alliances) to plan teacher trainings and inform policy change in their schools—I am continuously energized and inspired by the voices of LGBTQ+ young people and their fierce commitment to social justice.

A recent exciting work experience:
I recently traveled to Washington, D.C. with my staff for a March for Queer & Trans Youth Autonomy at the U.S. Capitol, which was organized by several of our GSA student leaders in response to the hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills that have been filed across the U.S. this year. Thousands of LGBTQ+ youth and families turned out to march with us in Washington, and hundreds of local marches occurred in all fifty states the week of Trans Day of Visibility (3/31/23). 

How the School of Public Policy prepared me for my career:
SPP equipped me with critical skills that serve me every day in my career: policy analysis, research design, nonprofit law, and so much more. I’m endlessly grateful to SPP for connecting me with the Safe Schools Program and so many other vital forces in the LGBTQ+ liberation movement.

Advice to students considering a degree in public policy:
If you’re considering a degree in public policy, I really encourage you to go for it! I loved my time at SPP because I was surrounded by like-minded people who were passionate about making a positive difference in their community. Now more than ever, our world needs thoughtful and dedicated policymakers: SPP is a perfect way to pursue this path.

Future plans:
In addition to continuing my ongoing work with the Safe Schools Program, I look forward to collaborating with the MA Commission on LGBTQ Youth to advocate for the creation of a Safe Schools Program at the U.S. Department of Education, and in state DOEs across the nation.

Posted May 2023