Ecosystems of Support: How Local Contexts Impact the Development of Transgender-Affirming School Policies and Practices

• In Event: Un/Structures of Resources and Support for Queer Youth

Abstract

The San Francisco Bay Area of California has a long history of being a welcoming region for people of diverse genders and sexualities. This paper will map out the history and evolution of a unique ecosystem of supports that are designed to affirm the experiences of transgender and non-binary youth in K-12 schools. Based on interviews with key informants from local school districts and LGBTQ youth-serving community organizations, we identify ways in which local professionals and community activists have worked to cultivate a strong network of organizations, programs, services, policies, and practices that are intended to benefit transgender youth. This case study may help other communities interested in improving the climate for transgender and non-binary youth.

Authors

• Elizabeth J. Meyer, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Harper Keenan, Stanford University