Transgender youth face discrimination from family, peers, schools, workplaces, healthcare providers, and society as a whole. Their lives are plagued by feelings of rejection, shame, isolation, anxiety, depression, and fear for their safety. This leads to low self-esteem and self-confidence. They may feel that they cannot be authentic and live freely without being constantly criticized and judged. These experiences can cause them to adopt a defensive posture, which further alienates them from social environments. Consequently, transgender people struggle to develop a strong sense of agency and identity because they lack positive feedback from others who validate and accept them for who they are.
Transgender individuals have reported facing harassment, abuse, and violence due to their gender identity and expression. They often hide their identities to fit into traditional societal norms or avoid situations where they might experience hostility.
Many transgender young people do not reveal their true gender to friends or family members in order to protect themselves from ridicule or rejection.
This strategy backfires when it deprives them of opportunities to form meaningful relationships with supportive adults or peers. The resulting isolation can impede their emotional development and undermine their ability to establish a stable sense of self. In addition, transgender youth are frequently excluded from public spaces such as restrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams based on their gender presentation. This segregation reinforces the message that they are "other" and do not belong. As a result, they may internalize negative messages about their worthiness and value as human beings.
Research has shown that discrimination against transgender individuals takes an enormous toll on their mental health. Transgender youth report higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation than cisgender (non-trans) peers. According to one study, nearly 50% of transgender adolescents attempt suicide at least once before reaching adulthood. These statistics suggest that social hostility is a significant risk factor for poor mental health outcomes among transgender youth. When transgender people lack positive role models who affirm their identities, they are less likely to feel comfortable being true to themselves and pursuing their dreams. They become fearful of expressing themselves openly because they believe others will judge or reject them. Their sense of agency declines when they experience repeated rejection or failure due to factors beyond their control. Consequently, many transgender young people develop low self-esteem, which makes it difficult for them to achieve success in school or work settings.
How does social hostility influence transgender youth's sense of agency, self-concept, and identity development?
Transgender youth may experience hostile attitudes and behaviors from peers, family members, and society at large. Social hostility can lead to feelings of isolation, rejection, and marginalization that can negatively impact their sense of agency, self-concept, and identity development. When individuals are repeatedly exposed to hostile attitudes and discriminatory practices, they may develop negative self-esteem, low self-confidence, and feelings of shame about who they are.