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Symposia

LGBTQ+

Session: Conceptualizing Structural Transphobia: Measurement Innovations, Research Evidence, and Multilevel Solutions

5 - (SYM 144) Exploring School Experiences and Suicidality of Colorado Transgender / Gender Diverse High School Students: A Qualitative Inquiry

Sunday, November 19, 2023
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM PST
Location: Nooksack (602), Level 6

Background: Research suggests transgender / gender diverse (TGD) youth experience harassment and violence in schools, and that these experiences are associated with mental health consequences such as suicidality. However, little research centers the experiences of current TGD high school students, and few qualitative studies explore links between these experiences and suicidality. There is also a need for work examining TGD students within the state of Colorado, given Colorado’s position as a leading U.S. state in legal protections for TGD youth. Despite this status, recent data suggest TGD students in Colorado experience elevated rates of bullying, depression symptoms, and suicidality compared to their cisgender peers; thus, it is critical to examine how these policies play out in TGD students’ everyday lives.

Methods: The current study draws on methods from grounded theory, phenomenology, and participatory action research to explore experiences of school safety and belonging in a sample of TGD public high school students (ages 14-19) in Colorado. Data collection is ongoing (anticipated N = 10-20). Participants completed a semi-structured interview querying experiences of safety/violence and belonging/discrimination in school and impacts on mental health, including suicidality. Using thematic analysis, inductive coding will be employed to identify common themes across responses, and major themes will be synthesized into codes. Transcripts will be reviewed by two coders, who will establish consensus through discussion. Other steps taken to ensure rigor include post-interview reflexivity memos, weekly debriefing within the research team, and participant review of transcripts prior to final analyses.

Results: While data collection is still ongoing, preliminary analyses suggest TGD high school students in Colorado experience pervasive discrimination, leading students to feel unsafe and excluded. These experiences also lead to increases in suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Simultaneously, participants reported a variety of policies and resources, and supportive actions by peers and school staff, which led to positive impacts on mental health.

Conclusions: Colorado public high schools should employ a multitiered approach to proactively support TGD students. Strategies should include measures to mitigate interpersonal violence, resources for education and community-building around marginalized gender identities, and considerations for how school infrastructure may perpetuate transphobia.