Some children and adolescents may identify with a different gender than the gender they were assigned at birth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 2% of high school students identify as transgender. Because transgender youth are usually dependent on parents for essentials such as safety, financial support, food, and other needs, transgender youth face different challenges compared to adults. It is important to be knowledgeable about gender identity, risk factors and how to help youth struggling with gender identity. 

What is transgender?

Children are not born knowing gender norms as this process begins early on in life. Whether it is sorting “boy” and “girl” toys or associating the color pink with girls or blue with boys, the world begins to teach the child how they should identify at birth. However, gender is actually a spectrum which indicates that individuals possess varying masculine and feminine traits. Transgender individuals fall within this spectrum, but identify as a gender different than how they were assigned at birth. Self-recognition of gender identity will develop over time, just like a person’s physical body does. In contrast, an individual’s sexual orientation relates to who someone is romantically or sexually attracted to. Just like gender identity, a person’s sexual orientation is not a choice or something that they can change. Those who are transgender may identify as heterosexual, bisexual, gay or lesbian. 

One may also come across the term “gender dysphoria,” which is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as “a marked difference between the individual’s expressed/experienced gender and the gender others would assign him or her.” People with gender dysphoria feel an intense and persistent desire to be rid of the sexual characteristics they were born with and become another gender. Feeling rejected by family and society increases the risk for social dysphoria. Transgender youth may express their gender through how they talk, act, dress and other behaviors. In addition, choosing a name that suits their gender identity is common. Transgender youth may also voice interest in medical treatments that change their body to make them match their gender identity. These gender-affirming treatments may include hormone therapy and surgery.

Risk Factors

Stigma and discrimination cause psychological stress within the LGBTQIA+ community. Studies have found that transgender youth are more at risk for developing depression, anxiety and suicidal ideations compared to their heteronormative peers. The decision to “come out” with their gender identity can be an ongoing process. Some fears about coming out may include loss of family and friends, homelessness and physical/verbal abuse. In recent studies, transgender students are more likely than their heteronormative peers to report violence victimization, substance use and suicide risk (CDC). 

• Only 9% of trans youth say their communities are very accepting

• 80% of transgender students said they’d avoided bathrooms because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable

• 64% of transgender students avoided gym class because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable

• Only 12% of trans youth say their school or district has official policies support trans students

Supporting transgender youth

Family acceptance is one of the most important pieces to keeping transgender youth feeling safe. Recent research shows that those with supportive families experience a 52% decrease in suicidal thoughts and a 46% decrease in suicide attempts (MAP). Parents can express love and support for their transgender child through:

• Respecting their chosen name and correct pronouns

• Allowing them to choose their clothes and hair style

• Allowing them to choose their toys and activities

Transgender students in schools with supportive policies are less likely to miss school due to feeling unsafe, and they are more likely to feel greater belonging to their school communities. Within the school environment, teachers/staff should model inclusive behavior which includes respecting chosen names, correct pronouns and incorporating age appropriate representation of the LGBTQIA+ community. Gay-straight alliance (GSA) clubs give students a safe space to receive support and reduce harmful effects of bullying. 

The following list includes resources for transgender youth and their loved ones:

• https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ (education about gender identity, 24/7 access to on-call counselors and peer support)

• Translifeline: (877) 565-8860

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: call 9-8-8 or visit their website https://988lifeline.org/ 

• Prairie Pride Coalition: https://ppc-il.org/gerc/  (education about gender identity, material resources and local events)

• Mental health counseling or LGTBQIA+ group counseling 

Counseling can provide a safe space for a person to explore their gender identity through informed and compassionate care. If you, your child or someone you know is struggling with gender identity, consider visiting us at the Mental Wellness Center for support: https://www.thementalwellnesscenter.com/