The Urgent Need to Support Trans Youth: How We Can Make a Difference

By: Ari Leal, CMHCI

​In today’s society, transgender youth face extraordinary challenges and hostilities, often from multiple fronts. It's heartbreaking to recognize the stark reality: 89% of transgender students endure verbal harassment, 55% suffer physical harassment, and 28% experience physical assault at school. These adverse conditions lead to lower academic performance, higher absenteeism, and a diminished likelihood of pursuing higher education. Feeling unsafe and unsupported contributes significantly to the alarming rates of depression and suicidal ideation among trans youth.

​Family rejection compounds these difficulties. Over half of transgender youth lack family support, which exacerbates their struggles. Alarmingly, 53% of transgender and nonbinary youth have seriously considered suicide in the past year, and 20% have attempted to take their lives. This underscores the critical need for supportive environments and interventions.

​Additionally, legislative measures in states like Florida further restrict the rights and well-being of trans youth. Healthcare restrictions limit access to gender-affirming treatments, while educational policies silence discussions on gender identity. These laws foster exclusion and discrimination, increasing ostracization, bullying, and mental health issues. Trans youth are often prohibited from participating in sports teams that align with their gender identity and face challenges accessing appropriate bathroom facilities.

​Support groups emerge as crucial lifelines, providing safe and affirming spaces for trans youth. These groups offer understanding, affirmation, and peer support, often lacking in other areas of their lives. Research shows that support groups reduce feelings of isolation, boost self-esteem, and enhance overall mental health, creating a sense of community and belonging essential for positive outcomes.

​As individuals and independent practices, we can play a pivotal role in supporting trans youth and compensating for the lack of governmental and societal support. Vital steps include creating affirming environments, ensuring specialized training for therapists, involving families, connecting trans youth with support networks, maintaining confidentiality, collaborating with schools, and engaging in public education and advocacy.

​The discrimination and lack of support for transgender youth in schools and society are deeply concerning. At South Tampa Therapy, we are committed to creating inclusive and supportive environments that significantly improve the lives of trans youth. We can help mitigate the risks of hostile environments, family rejection, and societal discrimination by fostering resilience, self-esteem, and overall well-being through peer support and reducing isolation. Together, we can ensure that trans youth have the opportunity to thrive and pursue happiness.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please get in touch with South Tampa Therapy. Together, we can make a difference.

Book with this author ~Ari Leal, Therapist, CMHCI: https://SouthTampaTherapyBOOKAPPT.as.me/AriLeal 

References

Greytak, E. A., Diaz, E. M., & Kosciw, J. G. (2009). Harsh realities: The experiences of transgender youth in our nation’s schools. New York: GLSEN.

National Center for Transgender Equality. (2023). Youth and students. Retrieved from NCTE

GLSEN. (2023). Improving school climate for transgender and nonbinary youth. New York: GLSEN.

Gainor, K. A. (1999). Including transgender issues in lesbian, gay, and bisexual psychology: Implications for clinical practice and training. In B. Greene & G. Herek (Eds.), Lesbian and gay psychology: Theory, research, and clinical applications (pp. 131–160). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

The Trevor Project. (2023). National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health. Retrieved from The Trevor Project.

Lev, A. I. (2004). Transgender emergence: Therapeutic guidelines for working with gender-variant people and their families. Haworth Press.

Grossman, A. H., & D'Augelli, A. R. (2006). Transgender youth: Invisible and vulnerable. Journal of Homosexuality, 51(1), 111-128. https://doi.org/10.1300/J082v51n01_06

Lev, A. I. (2004). Transgender emergence: Therapeutic guidelines for working with gender-variant people and their families. Haworth Press.

National Center for Transgender Equality. (2023). Youth and students. Retrieved from NCTE.

Book with this author ~Ari Leal, Therapist, CMHCI: https://SouthTampaTherapyBOOKAPPT.as.me/AriLeal