Exploring the Role of Religious/Spiritual Community Membership on Educational Attainment for Trans/Nonbinary People

• In Event: 61.071 - Sheraton Roundtable Session 10 - Grand Centre
  In Roundtable Session: 61.071-5 - Student Identity Development in Higher Education

Abstract

As the proportion of “out” trans/non-binary (trans/NB) individuals in higher education has increased, so have scholarly contributions focused on this student subpopulation. Comparatively absent from the scope of that work, however, is research on the role of spirituality/religion, though it has been found to be an important aspect of life for some trans/NB people and a predictor of outcomes relevant to degree attainment for college students broadly. This study uses data from the 2015 United States Transgender Survey (USTS) to investigate the role of religious/spiritual community membership and experiences on educational attainment. Results suggest that leaving a religious/spiritual community due to fear of rejection or experiences of rejection does not significantly relate to educational attainment for trans/NB individuals.

Authors

• Kate Curley, Eastern Michigan University

• Cindy Ann Kilgo, Indiana University - Bloomington

• Rebecca Crandall, The Ohio State University