School and Gender Identity

By Vivi

    Do you know how many people identify as non-cisgender in the world? According to a global survey done in 2023, 3 percent of respondents from 30 countries identified themselves as transgender, non-binary/non-conforming/gender-fluid, or in some other way. In a 2022 survey, around 1.6 percent of American adults answered that they do not identify with their gender assigned at birth. For young adults it is even higher, with 5 percent of people under the age 30 now being transgender or non-binary. As you can see from these statistics, we can tell that the acceptance in society towards gender identity has increased and it is becoming easier for people to be open about their status. 

    Schools have also seen some positive reactions. As more students identify themselves as non-cisgender, schools have been changing to meet the new standards of today. Facilities are setting up non-gender specific bathrooms, using the pronouns or names students identify with, and teaching students about the LGBTQ+ community in classes. It is true that the overall attitude towards is improving. However, that doesn't mean non-cisgender students are being treated just like any other student. For many transgender students, schools have become a place of bullying and discrimination. In America, they are seeing a decrease in safety for non-cisgender students, who are being forced to tolerate misgendering, deadnaming, and being outed by teachers. To rub salt in wound, bills are being passed to restrict their access to the bathroom and locker room which they associate with. 

    These problems can threaten students’ well-being and prevent the student from being a student, to thrive or even participate in school. A national survey found that it was 3 times more likely for a transgender student to miss school than other students. This doesn't even include the additional discrimination that could amplify the student's situation, such as discrimination against race, gender or disability.

    So how can schools support non-cisgender students from discrimination? To start with, an antidiscrimination policy that includes gender identity and expression should be placed to protect them from unnecessary hate. In addition to this, having a strong and supportive counselor to talk to if they were intimidated, threatened or harassed for their gender identity or expression. Just respecting the different genders could create a positive response towards non-binary students. Students look at teachers and adults for guidance when it comes to life. Therefore, as a school, being supportive of all students is vital. No student should have to struggle because of what they identify with. One day, there may be a future where everyone can be themselves without being judged. Until then, all we can do is open our hearts to the different identities and see people just as they are.




References

GenderGP. (2023, October 27). How to support Trans Children at School. GenderGP Transgender Services. https://www.gendergp.com/trans-children-in-schools/ 

Statista Research Department. (2024, May 22). Gender Identity Worldwide by country 2023. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1269778/gender-identity-worldwide-country/ 

Visé, D. de. (2023, January 13). New studies find millions of young nonbinary and Transgender Americans. The Hill. https://thehill.com/changing-america/3811406-new-studies-find-millions-of-young-nonbinary-and-transgender-americans/ 



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