Transgender Children in Primary Schooling

Introduction

The issue of transgender children and their rights in the school system has been an increasingly debated issue in recent years. The term transgender encompasses those who have a gender identity or gender expression that differs from their assigned sex. From disagreements over bathroom usage, sports teams participation, teacher acceptance, and many more, it has been made clear that the path for transgender children in Canada's school systems has not, and will not, be an easy one. Even so, there are steps that can be taken with the school system to foster a more supportive environment for transgender youth, and have a positive impact on levels of comfort and acceptance.

Common Arguments Against Inclusion and Acceptance

One of the most common arguments made against acceptance of transgender youth is that they are too young to understand the ramifications of their decisions, and that it is, “just a phase.” Adults express concern that children who claim identity opposite their natal gender, i.e. the gender assigned at birth, will eventually want to return to their natal gender. There is often hesitance to accept transgender children’s decision as serious, and not a product of confusion, experimentation, or a child simply “playing.”. In reality, children fully understand the concept of gender, and realize their own, at a very young age; gender identity generally forms around the age of 3. While not every child who brings up disparities with their gender identity will definitively identify as transgender, acceptance and openness is the most beneficial approach.

Inclusion in Curriculum and Policy

It is important to have a curriculum and school policy that openly embraces transgender children, as the apparent transgender child (those who are open with their identity) is far rarer than the non-apparent child (those who do not openly identify as transgender). In developing school policies that are welcoming and accepting of transgender children, those who are struggling to speak up will feel more comfortable to do so.

Inclusion can be practiced in a variety of forms: staff using proper pronouns and names, and encouraging students to do the same, creating gender neutral wash and change rooms, opening sports teams up to those who identify as transgender, offering proper support to transgender students, and many more.

Teacher and staff support in the face of discrimination is also a vital tool in helping transgender children feel accepted and safe. While many issues of bullying may occur outside the direct eye of adult supervision, there are various ways to lessen these problems ever arising. Inclusion of transgender issues in curriculum, and openly discussing these matters are productive ways to not only lessen discrimination amongst youth, but to foster an environment in which transgender children feel they can seek help. Teachers making a point to report any problems they may witness, and making themselves available to students, are beneficial ways for combating prejudice in the school setting. Programs like Ontario's, "Equity and Inclusive Education Strategy," which requires staff to report bullying incidents, addresses disrespectful behavior, and furthers education about various forms of identity and sexuality, is a great starting point for integrating transgender support and inclusion into the school system.

Ramifications of Exclusion in School Systems

In looking at the debate surrounding transgender children and their acceptance and rights in Canada's school system, a resounding reality is found: those who find it problematic are most often adults. Children, generally, are not only very accepting of their transgender classmates, but often fail to see any issue at all. Studies have shown that children of primary school age actually show a decline in their gender related prejudices, and a decrease in negative judgements towards children who do not conform to gender stereotypes. A common argument is that they are too young to understand, yet what that truly means is that they are too young for them to have been fully socialized to fit the norms of our society. Thus, the approach taken by school systems is all the more important in shaping an accepting environment moving forward, and restructuring our oft exclusionary norms.

With transgender adults facing suicide attempt rates nine times higher than the general population, acceptance and inclusion at a young age is imperative. The earlier a transgender person is able to express their true identity and gain support, the easier their transition can be. Support throughout school, from peers, educators and family, have a profound impact on transgender youth; studies have shown that this support results in transgender children experiencing the same lower rates of depression and anxiety as cisgender (people whose gender identity matches the sex that they were assigned at birth) classmates. . School systems are a profound socializing and influential aspect of our lives; for them to function as a place of acceptance and education towards furthering that acceptance, is a vital aspect of mental and emotional well being for transgender youth.