Ohio's legislative landscape has created a deeply uneven playing field for LGBTQ+ students — and for the counselors trying to support them. HB 8 now requires public school staff, including counselors, to notify parents of changes in a student's mental, emotional, or physical health or well-being, with trans identity specifically named as triggering parental notification. Independent school counselors operate outside that mandate — but that doesn't mean the conversation stops at the school door. This session is presented from the perspective of an independent school counselor who has more latitude to act with a responsibility to model, share, and advocate alongside colleagues who have less. Together, we'll examine what day-to-day LGBTQ+ advocacy looks like, hear directly from a former student about what made the difference in their experience, and ask an honest question as a profession: how do we hold the line for every student, regardless of what building they're in?