The Montreal Gazette recently published not one, but two articles about trans youth.
"Gender identity crisis" talks to three twenty-somethings reflecting on their experiences with gender identity and transitioning. The author also interviews a social counselor at a youth organization, a developmental behavioural pediatrician and a psychologist who focuses on sexual minority issues. The article covers the difficulties of figuring out one's own gender identity, coming out to families, transitioning, and finding support.
The next article, "An education on trans youth," uses the experiences of one individual to flesh out an explanation of the difficulties trans youth face in schools, including bullying, transphobic language, physical violence, and lack of understanding. The article, however, also highlights some positive tredns, including some of the inclusive actions at some CEGEPS and Universities, an upcoming resource manual from The Canadian Teachers' Federation, and talk about other awareness campaigns and teachers who are making the effort.
While media attention does not necessarily mean acceptance or vast improvement, it does indicate a positive shift of awareness and effort. Both articles provide a number of professionals, academics and resources that could be useful for educators in attempting to support trans youth. One very important step in doing this work is making sure those who are going through these struggles and experiences are given a voice. With a voice, and a platform such as the Gazette, trans youth can begin to better speak for themselves and have their needs and desires heard by more people.
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