The article reports on a qualitative study in Philadelphia which focused on the school experiences and marginalization of transgender youth. The study's interview tool covered 14 areas, including demographics, sexual assault, body modification, and drug use. The students interviewed reported discrimination, abuse, and lack of support from peers, teachers and staff. Trans youth also had concerns about dress codes, bathroom and locker facilities, and school sports. Their recommendations to prevent transphobia and create safe learning environments are presented for educators and school administrators.
Vol. 3 Issue 1, p15-28 14p
HIV/AIDS, suicide, violence, and barriers to health care access among transgender people were explored using two needs assessment surveys conducted in Philadelphia in 1997. A total of 182 people responded to a face-to-face interview or self-administered mail survey: 113 male-to-female individuals and 69 female-to-male individuals. About three-fifths of respondents had engaged in unprotected sexual activity during the past 12 months. The risk for HIV infection from unprotected sex was significantly higher among respondents of color than among white respondents. About one-third (30.1 percent) of respondents had attempted suicide. More than half of respondents had been forced to have sex, 56.3 percent had experienced violence in their homes, and 51.3 percent had been physically abused. Twenty-six percent of respondents had been denied medical care because they were transgender. These findings suggest that prevention services that specifically address HIV/AIDS, suicide, and violence among transgender people are urgently needed.