Challenges for Trans and Nonbinary Youth
Challenges for Trans and Nonbinary Youth
Join us for Pathways Forward, a free virtual roundtable discussion where local experts will share insights on promoting equitable inclusion for trans and nonbinary youth. Ahead of this discussion, let’s deepen our understanding about the challenges trans youth experience.
June 5th | Noon - 1PM | Online via Zoom
Systemic Challenges
Despite many advancements in transgender rights, there is still a lack of safe spaces for trans and nonbinary individuals. Safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth are affirming of all LGBTQ+ identities and respect people’s chosen names, pronouns, and access to bathrooms.
Unfortunately, many spaces are becoming increasingly hostile to trans and nonbinary youth. According to TransLegislation, 859 anti-trans bills have been introduced in 2025 aiming to reduce trans and nonbinary people’s access to education, healthcare, athletics, bathrooms, and performance. Even when these bills do not pass, their normalization of anti-trans rhetoric increases discrimination towards the trans community.
The stigmatization of young trans lives results in trans and nonbinary youth experiencing high rates of mental health challenges, substance use, bullying, and homelessness.
Schools
School environments are often hostile for trans and nonbinary youth.
- 83.1% of LGBTQ+ youth experience targeted harassment or assault at school based on personal characteristics.
- 77.6% of LGBTQ+ youth avoid school functions due to feeling unsafe.
- 58.9% of LGBTQ+ students face discriminatory school policies including the restriction of names, pronouns, and clothing that align with students’ gender identities.
- 27% of trans high school students report feeling fearful at school.
- 35% of trans high school students are bullied.
Learn more from GLSEN's Youth Climate Survey.
Здравоохранение
Gender affirming healthcare is subject to bans in 27 states. These bans specifically target youth's access to medical transition including taking reversible puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapies, and best practice surgical care.
Refusal of healthcare to transgender youth experiencing dysphoria is associated with an increase risk of anxiety, depression, self harm, social issues, poor academic performance, and suicide.
Athletics
Participation in athletics and other extracurricular activities promotes a sense of belonging and is associated with improved mental health and academic outcomes. However, trans students are largely excluded from athletic participation. For example, despite there being fewer than 10 transgender college athletes currently competing, the NCAA has updated their policies in accordance with discriminatory executive orders to ban all individuals assigned male at birth from participating in women’s sports regardless of their current gender identity.
Conclusion
Trans and nonbinary youth face significant stigma and discrimination that restricts their ability to thrive. Anti-trans policies inhibit trans people from fully accessing education, healthcare, and athletics.
Safe and affirming spaces needed to be created for trans and nonbinary youth to feel a sense of belonging and meet their full potential.
By: Chloe Bolz
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