Acknowledging trans students this Transgender Awareness Week

From Nov. 13-19, the Brandon School Division is recognizing Transgender Awareness Week. Transgender Awareness Week, a federally acknowledged event, has been observed annually in Canada for several years. It is a time not only to recognize the hardships that transgender individuals face, but also to uplift and celebrate them and their communities. It’s an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the history of gender-diverse people and to consider how we can build a more inclusive society moving forward.

Transgender Awareness Week holds a special importance in schools, as trans students, according to research published by the National Library of Medicine, are among the most vulnerable groups in the transgender community. Still living under the roofs of their guardians, some trans youths do not have safe spaces at home where they can fully express themselves. They can also face bullying and isolation from their peers at school. They may be forced to maintain two separate identities at home and in school, or they may not be able to transition at all.

According to the DSM-5, a trans individual being unable to transition results in severe gender dysphoria, the feelings of distress that occur when one’s internal sense of gender does not match their biological sex. Left untreated, gender dysphoria, in addition to social discrimination, can lead to serious mental health struggles, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. According to the Canadian Public Health Association, a 2022 study found that gender-diverse teens are five times more likely to consider suicide and 7.6 times more likely to attempt it than cisgender teens.

And if dealing with discrimination in school and home environments weren’t enough, a recent rise in anti-trans laws have presented even more obstacles in the lives of trans youth. In Saskatchewan, Bill 137, put into law in 2023, requires children under 16 to have parental consent to change their names or pronouns at school. This puts so many young people in compromising — and even dangerous — situations, as it is unsafe for many to come out to their families. Alberta’s Bill 26, temporarily blocked from enforcement due to a court-ordered injunction, greatly limits teens’ access to gender-affirming care by prohibiting those under 16 from receiving prescriptions for puberty blockers and hormone therapy.

What can we do to support transgender youths and the larger community? One of the best ways to celebrate Transgender Awareness Week is simply to learn how to be a good ally.

One of the most crucial parts of being an ally is continued education about the transgender experience. Many books are available in both the Neelin Library and the Brandon Public Library to aid in achieving this goal. When learning about transgender people, it’s important to consider several aspects, including the biological facts and scientific research, the history and current state of social and political equality and the personal experiences of transgender people.

In addition to educating ourselves, there are a few basic guidelines to remember when it comes to interacting with trans individuals. Use the language that the person uses for themself. If you’re unsure of what pronouns to use with someone, simply ask instead of assuming. It’s an easy question that gives everyone space to express their identity comfortably. Be careful and considerate when asking questions about someone’s identity, and in most situations, avoid topics such as their life before their transition or their medical history. As a general rule, if you wouldn’t feel comfortable answering a question, don’t address it to someone else. There is not a set way for transgender people to look, so don’t assume you can “always tell” when someone is trans. Every transition is a unique experience that moves at a pace suited to the individual.

Trans people do not owe conformity, and remember that you do not need to understand someone’s identity to respect it. Above all else, just be kind. Respecting someone’s chosen name and pronouns is an act of basic decency that costs us nothing. Practising kindness and open-mindedness is something we can all do to help foster a safe and equal society for everyone.

» Sophie Henderson is a Grade 12 student at École secondaire Neelin High School.