Kiara Alfonseca
abcnews.go.com
Originally posted 8 OCT 24
A first-of-its-kind survey has found that 3.3% of U.S. high school students identified as transgender in 2023, with another 2.2% identified as questioning.
The first nationally representative survey from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also highlights the multiple health disparities faced by transgender students who may experience gender dysphoria, stigma, discrimination, social marginalization or violence because they do not conform to social expectations of gender, the CDC reports.
These stressors increase the likelihood transgender youth and those who are questioning may experience mental health challenges, leading to disparities in health and well-being, according to the health agency.
Here are some of the findings:
More than a quarter (26%) of transgender and questioning students attempted suicide in the past year, compared to 5% of cisgender male and 11% of cisgender female students. The CDC urged schools to "create safer and more supportive environments for transgender and questioning students" to address these disparities, including inclusive activities, mental health and other health service referrals, and implementing policies that are LGBTQ-inclusive.
Here are some thoughts:
Recent national data reveals that 3.3% of U.S. high school students identify as transgender, with an additional 2.2% questioning their gender identity. This groundbreaking study highlights significant disparities in the experiences of transgender and questioning youth compared to their cisgender peers. These students face higher rates of violence, discrimination, and mental health challenges, with approximately 25% skipping school due to safety concerns and 40% experiencing bullying. Alarmingly, 69-72% of transgender and questioning students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and about 26% have attempted suicide in the past year. Additionally, transgender students are more likely to experience unstable housing, with 10.7% facing this challenge.
These disparities can be understood through the lens of Minority Stress Theory and the Gender Minority Stress Framework, which highlight how stigma, discrimination, and social marginalization contribute to poor outcomes. However, protective factors such as supportive families and peers, school connectedness, affirmed name and pronoun use, and a sense of pride in identity can buffer against these stressors and promote better mental health.
Given these findings, it is crucial for psychologists to develop multicultural competence to effectively support transgender and questioning youth. This includes enhancing knowledge about the unique challenges faced by this population, developing awareness of personal biases and societal stigma, and honing skills to create affirming environments and use appropriate interventions. Psychologists should also advocate for inclusive policies, consider intersectionality, engage with families, provide trauma-informed care, and collaborate with schools and community organizations. By enhancing multicultural competence, psychologists can play a vital role in improving outcomes and promoting resilience among transgender and questioning youth, addressing the urgent need for culturally sensitive and effective mental health support for this vulnerable population.
