New survey shows 3% of high schoolers identify as trans

A groundbreaking survey has revealed that in 2023, 3.3% of U.S. high school students identified as trans and another 2.2% were questioning their gender identity.

This first nationally representative survey conducted by the U.S.A. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasises the significant health disparities affecting transgender students. These students often face gender dysphoria, stigma, discrimination, social marginalisation, or violence due to not conforming to societal gender norms, as reported by the CDC.

Such stressors can heighten the likelihood of mental health issues among transgender and questioning youth, resulting in disparities in their overall health and well-being, according to the health agency. More than one in four (26%) trans and questioning students reported attempting suicide in the past year, compared to 5% of cisgender male students and 11% of cisgender female students. To address these disparities, the CDC urged schools to “create safer and more supportive environments for transgender and questioning students,” suggesting inclusive activities, referrals to mental health and other health services, and policies that are LGBTQ+-inclusive.

According to ‘ABC News’, approximately 7 in 10 questioning students (69%) and trans students (72%) reported experiencing persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, which the CDC identifies as indicators of depressive symptoms.

The CDC estimates that 40% of transgender and questioning students have faced bullying at school. Additionally, about 25.3% of trans students and 26.4% of questioning students missed school due to feeling unsafe, in contrast to 8.5% of cisgender male students.

Trans students are more likely to face unstable housing situations than their cisgender peers. The CDC found that 10.7% of trans students and 10% of questioning students experienced unstable housing, compared to 2.1% of cisgender males and 1.8% of cisgender females. The CDC noted that this disparity likely stems from discrimination, including family rejection.

Furthermore, the report states that “transgender students might experience discrimination, harassment, and assault among foster, shelter, and other social service providers,” making them less likely to receive shelter during housing instability, which exacerbates their vulnerability to violence, poor mental health, and suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System conducts regular surveys of over 20,000 high school students in both public and private schools nationwide to monitor adolescent behaviour over time and identify critical issues and health needs.