Supporting the Health and Well-Being of Transgender Students

• Published in: The Journal of school nursing Vol. 33; no. 2; pp. 95 - 108
• Main Authors: Cicero, Ethan C., Wesp, Linda M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-04-2017
• Subjects: Adolescent; Child; Child Development; Drug Therapy; Educational Environment; Elementary Secondary Education; Female; Health Promotion - organization & administration; Health Services for Transgender Persons - organization & administration; Humans; Identification (Psychology); Intervention; Male; Puberty; Public Facilities; Role; School Health Services - organization & administration; School Nurses; School Nursing - organization & administration; School Safety; Sexual Identity; Social Bias; Social Discrimination; Surgery; Transgender Persons; United States; Well Being; United States > US; school nursing; students; gender expression; gender identity; gender nonconforming; transgender
• ISSN: 1059-8405; 1546-8364
• DOI: 10.1177/1059840516689705

Throughout the United States, there has been a rise in public discourse about transgender people and transgender issues. Much of this attention stems from passed and proposed anti-LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning) legislation, including “bathroom bills” that would require transgender people to use public facilities corresponding with the sex designated on their birth certificates. With the recent discussion and legislation impacting school-aged children and adolescents, what does this mean for school nurses and how can they care and advocate for their transgender students? In this article, we aim to empower school nurses to join the discussion, advocate for inclusive and equitable school policies, and deliver gender-affirming care to transgender students. We will explain transgender identities; transgender-related stigma, prejudice, discrimination, and health concerns; gender-affirming approaches in caring for transgender youth; and implications for school nurses. School nurses play a key role in creating a space that is welcoming and affirming where transgender students can thrive.