Navigating Education System Challenges
Educational challenges result from a lack of affirming polices and resources.
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Parents and caregivers can be powerful buffers against these risks by affirming their child's identity, supporting gender-inclusive policies, collaborating with schools to create
gender-affirming environments, and establishing connections with affirming community services.
Advocacy and education are powerful tools for change in academic settings.
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Together, we can create safe, inclusive learning environments where youth can thrive.
Discrimination & Harassment
TGEY frequently experience bullying, misgendering, denial of access to facilities and exclusion from school events, including sports. Their
sense of safety, academic achievement,
and mental health may all be
negatively impacted.
Mental Health & Social Exclusion
TGEY can experience mental health challenges in response to social exclusion, bullying, deficiency in affirming policies, and systemic discrimination. The lack of inclusive curricula and mental health resources
can lead to isolation, diminished
self-esteem, school avoidance,
academic underperformance,
anxiety, and depression.
Transition Related Needs
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Consistent social affirmation including use of chosen name and pronouns
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​Updated records ensuring school systems can accommodate name and gender marker changes on official documents including ID cards, attendance sheets, and yearbooks
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Restroom and locker room access providing access to facilities that align with their gender identity or
gender-neutral options without being the default or
only option
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Dress codes avoiding gendered dress codes, ensuring students can dress in accordance with their gender identity
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Academic accommodations including flexibility in attendance for medical and mental health appointments related to transition, extra time on assignments and
quiet spaces as transitioning can have an impact on
mental well-being
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Physical education and sports, allowing participation in sports and physical education classes in alignment with the student's gender identity
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Inclusive policies and procedures safeguarding against gender identity based discrimination and harassment
Limited Access to Education on Gender Diversity
Lack of representation and understanding for TGEY in school settings can have a profound impact:
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Increase for intolerance, peer exclusion, and bullying
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Teacher missteps including misgendering, enforcing binary norms due to lack of training on gender inclusivity
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Mental health and safety risks
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Limited allyship and peer support
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Hindered critical thinking development
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Lack of leadership opportunities
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Employment and economic disparities
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D - DIVERSITY
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E - EQUITY
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I - INCLUSION
Creating a Path to Success
You are your child's fiercest advocate, and every step you take helps to provide a safer, more affirming world for them
- your love and unwavering
persistence make all the difference.
Resources
Human Rights Campaign (HRC) - Welcoming Schools
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Services: Professional development and resources to help schools create safe and inclusive environments
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Website: www.welcomingschools.org
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Gender Spectrum
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Services: Education, creating gender-inclusive environments in schools
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Website: www.genderspectrum.org
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Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
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Services: Creating inclusive school environments for LGBTQ+ students
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Website: www.glsen.org
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GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)
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Services: Education-related issues including bathroom access and name/pronoun use in schools
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Website: www.glad.org
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PFLAG National
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Services: Resources to help navigate schools and advocate for inclusive policies
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Website: www.pflag.org​
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WHERE TO NEXT?
