Supporting Transgender and Nonbinary Middle School Students Through Inclusive Policies and Practices
Date Approved
8-15-2022
Graduate Degree Type
Project
Degree Name
Education-School Counseling (M.Ed.)
Degree Program
College of Education
First Advisor
Mary Bair
Academic Year
2021/2022
Abstract
The United States is experiencing a youth mental health crisis. Research suggests rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation have reached concerning levels in transgender and nonbinary youth. School can be a hostile place for marginalized youth. Transgender and nonbinary youth are especially susceptible to harassment and victimization, making school a particularly hostile place. When schools offer support and LGBTQ resources, school experiences can be improved for transgender and nonbinary youth. Unfortunately, school-wide supports and resources for LGBTQ students are less common in middle schools than high schools, leaving many students struggling at a critical developmental stage in their lives. This project, therefore, is a guide to be used by middle school counselors as they work to support transgender and nonbinary students. The guide includes resources school counselors can use to create a gender-inclusive student club, and as they advocate for more inclusive school policies and staff professional development. Although created with school counselors in mind, this guide can be used by any school employee seeking to create a safer and more inclusive environment for transgender and nonbinary students.
ScholarWorks Citation
Velding, Victoria, "Supporting Transgender and Nonbinary Middle School Students Through Inclusive Policies and Practices" (2022). Culminating Experience Projects. 199.
https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/gradprojects/199
