Long-term Academic Impacts of Transphobia in Schools
Transphobia is defined as prejudice against individuals who do not conform to traditional gender roles based on their biology. In schools, this can manifest itself in various ways, including verbal harassment, physical violence, discrimination, and exclusion. These experiences have significant and long-lasting effects on students' academic achievement and performance, resulting in decreased motivation, lower self-esteem, anxiety, depression, poor attendance, and increased risk of dropping out. Research shows that transgender students are more likely to experience bullying, harassment, and discrimination than cisgender peers, which impacts their academic success.
A study found that transgender youth had higher rates of absenteeism, suspensions, and expulsions compared to non-transgender youth. This has implications for educational attainment, such as college completion, job opportunities, and lifetime earnings.
Social Impacts of Transphobia in Schools
Transphobia in school environments can also affect social development by creating an environment where transgender students feel isolated and marginalized. This can lead to social withdrawal, avoidance of extracurricular activities, and reduced participation in social events. As a result, these students may miss out on opportunities to form meaningful relationships with peers and adults, resulting in feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Transphobia can create a hostile learning environment, making it difficult for transgender students to focus on their studies and learn effectively. This is particularly true when teachers or administrators fail to support them or address the issue, contributing to feelings of alienation and rejection.
Psychological Impacts of Transphobia in Schools
The psychological effects of transphobia in schools can be severe and long-lasting. These experiences can have a profound effect on mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, self-harm, and substance abuse. Research shows that transgender youth are more likely to attempt suicide than cisgender peers, with 41% reporting attempting suicide compared to only 6% of cisgender peers. This highlights the need for comprehensive support services for transgender students, including counseling, therapy, and access to medical care.
Transgender students often experience higher levels of stress, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to discrimination and harassment.
Transphobia in school environments has significant and lasting impacts on students' academic, social, and psychological development. It creates an environment where transgender students feel isolated, unsupported, and vulnerable, affecting their ability to learn and thrive. Educational institutions must take steps to address this issue by creating inclusive policies and programs that support transgender students, providing training for staff, and fostering safe and welcoming learning environments. By doing so, we can create a future where all students feel included, valued, and supported in their educational pursuits.
What are the long-term academic, social, and psychological impacts of persistent transphobia in schools on students' development?
Transphobia is defined as the dislike or prejudice against people who identify as transgender, a community that comprises individuals whose gender identity does not align with their assigned sex at birth (American Psychological Association, 2015). Persistent transphobia in schools refers to an environment where transphobic attitudes, actions, and policies exist over time and have an adverse effect on student learning and development (Gross et al. , 2020).