Authors: Day, M., & Brömdal, A.
Date of publication: 2024
Journal: International Journal of Transgender Health
Summary: This Australian study comprehensively evaluated 15 research papers to investigate the broad range of challenges that transgender and gender diverse youth experience within the school system. In addition to increased mental health concerns, it has been established that low school attendance rates, school dropout and a lack of quality education are all issues faced by transgender and gender-diverse youth which perpetuates cycles of disadvantage and discrimination well into adulthood.
There are a number of barriers faced by transgender and gender diverse youth throughout their school experience:
Interpersonal – School culture, bullying/harassment, incorrect pronouns, binary gender classification viewed as norm
Structural – Policies/Procedures, unsupportive systemic culture, lack of staff training, outdated policies, cisgender-based rules and curriculum
Individual – Personal characteristics, ideas and values conflicting with gender identity, misconceptions
The study also highlighted concerns around the experience of transgender and gender diverse youth in schools with religious affiliations. The often-incompatible belief systems reinforce a dichotomous view of gender and may come with a higher exposure to anti-transgender messaging and reduced inclusivity.
The review suggests that training for school staff, creating safe spaces (e.g. gender affirming bathrooms/locker rooms) gender affirmation (e.g. using chosen names) and incorporating gender diversity education into the curriculum are ways in which systems and individuals can positively contribute to the outcomes for transgender and gender diverse youth in schools.
You can read the full study here
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