The purpose of this article is to discuss the long-term effects of transphobia in schools on students and institutional culture, focusing on how it affects the mental health of transgender individuals, their ability to learn and succeed academically, and the overall school environment's attitude towards diversity and inclusivity. Transphobic discrimination refers to negative attitudes and behaviors directed towards individuals who do not conform to traditional gender roles or identities. This type of discrimination has been prevalent for decades, but recent years have seen an increase in awareness of its impact on students. Students who experience transphobia may struggle with feelings of isolation, anxiety, depression, and self-harm. They may also face academic challenges due to lack of support from teachers and peers, which can negatively impact their grades and attendance.
Transphobic behavior perpetuates harmful stereotypes about gender nonconforming people and reinforces negative norms around gender expression. As a result, many institutions struggle to create safe spaces for all students, leading to poor retention rates and low morale among faculty and staff. To address these issues, schools must prioritize training and resources that promote inclusion and acceptance of diverse genders and sexualities. By doing so, they can create a more positive learning environment for all students and improve their chances of success after graduation.
Transphobia in Schools: The Long-Term Effects on Students and Institutional Culture
Mental Health Issues
Transphobic discrimination is associated with adverse mental health outcomes for students. According to the National Center for Transgender Equality, 40% of transgender adults report having attempted suicide at some point in their lives, compared to only 1.6% of the general population.
78% of trans youth reported feeling unsafe or uncomfortable at school because of their gender identity, while 35% said they had been physically attacked there. These experiences can lead to depression, anxiety, self-harm, and other psychological distress. Transgender individuals who experience transphobia may also have difficulty forming relationships and accessing support systems outside of school, which can exacerbate feelings of isolation and loneliness. This can affect their academic performance, as trans students are more likely to miss class due to absenteeism or drop out altogether.
Studies show that trans youth who face bullying are twice as likely to leave high school without a diploma, compared to their peers. To address these issues, schools must provide mental health resources specifically tailored to LGBTQ+ students and training for faculty and staff on how to support them. By doing so, they can create a more inclusive environment where all students feel safe and supported.
Academic Challenges
Discrimination against transgender individuals can also impact their academic success. Studies have shown that trans students are less likely than cisgender (nontrans) students to graduate from college, despite being just as academically prepared. They may face challenges such as lack of access to appropriate facilities, difficulty finding role models or mentors, and limited financial aid opportunities.
They may face resistance from teachers and administrators who do not understand their needs or preferences. This can lead to low grades, missed deadlines, and even expulsion from school. In fact, nearly half of trans students report experiencing harassment in school, including verbal abuse, physical violence, and cyberbullying. These experiences can significantly impede their ability to learn and succeed academically, leading to lower retention rates and poorer job prospects after graduation. Schools can improve outcomes by providing support services like tutoring, internships, and mentorship programs specifically designed for trans students.
Institutional Culture
Transphobia can also affect the overall culture of a school. When institutions fail to create a welcoming environment for diverse genders and sexualities, it sends a message to students that certain identities are not valued or respected. This can lead to harmful stereotypes and negative attitudes towards trans people, which reinforces the idea that gender nonconformity is abnormal or wrong. This can prevent trans students from feeling comfortable enough to seek help or resources, which can further exacerbate their mental health issues. It can also drive away faculty and staff who want to create an inclusive environment but feel unable to do so due to institutional barriers.
Schools with a hostile climate toward trans individuals may struggle to recruit and retain top talent, as many candidates prioritize workplace diversity when choosing where to apply. To address these challenges, institutions should provide training on LGBTQ+ issues, create policies that protect all students' rights, and offer opportunities for student-led initiatives focused on inclusivity. By doing so, they can promote a more positive culture where everyone feels safe, supported, and able to thrive.
What are the long-term social and educational effects of transphobia in schools on students and institutional culture?
Transphobic incidents in schools can have negative consequences for both individuals who identify as transgender and non-binary as well as the wider school community. While there is no conclusive evidence that such behavior leads to poor academic performance among those who experience it, they may be more likely to drop out than their peers (Koch et al. , 2019). A study by Currie et al.