Study Finds Supportive Teachers Improve Outcomes for Transgender and Non-Binary Students
A new report by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups GLISTEN and the Trevor Project indicates that transgender and non-binary students who receive affirmation at school experience greater belonging, achieve higher grades, and show increased engagement in the classroom. The research, which surveyed over 3,700 transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse young people aged 13 to 24, along with nearly 2,000 trans middle and high school students, highlights the significant impact of supportive educational environments. Simple actions such as using students' preferred names and pronouns, discussing LGBTQ+ issues in class, supporting LGBTQ+ student groups, and implementing inclusive policies contribute positively to students' experiences. Conversely, more than half of the surveyed trans and non-binary students reported encountering at least one discriminatory policy or practice, and approximately 60 percent experienced negative events like verbal harassment or restrictions on their dress. A quarter of students missed 16 or more... 
