Reaching Out to Transgender Youth

I really need to put some info up here for TG youth, resources, help, etc. I've already been contacted by one young person looking for support and help. I will also link to this post in the menu for easy access.

Research studies of the information needs of transgender youth have shown that their needs differ slightly from those of gay and lesbian youth, and transgender teens are much more likely to attempt suicide than their gay and lesbian peers. Primarily because transgender students face much higher levels of harassment and violence in public schools and universities than LGB students. Reports reveal that many of these students lack the school support and resources that have been shown to improve the education climate for LGBT students. Most of these students, for example, do not have access to a Gay-Straight Alliance in school, and most reported not having a school district anti-bullying/anti-harassment policy that specifically includes protections based on sexual orientation AND gender expression. In a recent study by GLSEN, Over two-thirds(69%) of transgender students felt unsafe in school because of their gender expression. 87% have been verbally harassed at school because of their gender expression. 53% have been physically harassed at school (i.e. pushed, shoved, or subject to unwanted touch). 26% had actually been seriously physically assaulted (i.e. punched, kicked, or assaulted with a weapon) at school. Although ALL LGBT students report these types of issues, these numbers are almost double for transgender students. Not surprisingly, these studies have shown that 9 out of 10 transgender youth turn to the internet for information & support. This is why I am so passionate about the way adults are behaving online - ESPECIALLY the gay and lesbian adults who choose not to foster a empathetic environment, and instead, misinform people, humiliate these youth, and invite them to be ridiculed and mocked by others. It truly is sick. Is it really too much to expect, that we might be able, as a community, to move towards a future in which everyone learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression?

And for any transgender youth who might be reading this: I know that sometimes the emotional pain and stress can feel like its too much, especially when there seems to be no one around who cares or understands, or who support you. I also know that, even though it isn't really what they want, sometimes young people think seriously about suicide when it all seems like too much to deal with. It almost sounds cliche now, but trust me, it really DOES get better! I was bullied relentlessly throughout school because of my gender expression, and I considered suicide as an option, but I survived it and I am SO glad I did! You can get through it! Check out places in your community for support, like a trusted family member, school counselor, any person that you trust. Talk to a friend. Go see your school counselor. They might be able to help. Feel free to contact me if you can't find resources, or just need to talk. I am always more than happy to be a listening, caring ear, and have access to some resources. I've posted some resources here that might be able to help. Just in case you need them.

GLBT National Youth Talkline

The GLBT National Youth Talkline provides telephone and email peer-counseling, as well as factual information and local resources for cities and towns across the United States.
All services are free and confidential. The telephone volunteers are in their teens and early twenties, and speak with teens and young adults up to age 25 about coming-out issues, relationship concerns, parent issues, school problems, HIV/AIDS anxiety and safer-sex information, and lots more!
Toll-free 1-800-246-PRIDE (1-800-246-7743)
HOURS: Monday thru Friday from 5pm to 9pm, Pacific Time. (Monday thru Friday from 8pm to Midnight, Eastern Time)
Email: youth@GLBTNationalHelpCenter.org

NEVER give up on yourself! You are beautiful and unique, and you are more powerful than you know! Don't let others steal your future, your hopes and dreams.