Beyond Acceptance: Serving the Needs of Transgender Students at Women’s Colleges

• In Event: 269 - Section on Teaching and Learning in Sociology Paper Session. Challenges of Teaching the 21st Century Student Body

Abstract

Transgender people face a variety challenges in society as they fight for rights, representation, and access to respectful medical care. Within women’s college environments these challenges are particularly salient for individuals transitioning from female to male. Transgender students at women’s colleges are growing in number and visibility. This study examines the ways that transgender experience differs from the experience of cisgender students in both single-sex and co-educational environments. Conclusions are based on assessments of support, attitudes towards transgender students, and knowledge about transgender history and social issues using both quantitative and qualitative analysis of responses to a survey sent out to a variety of colleges and universities. The study found, significant differences between women’s colleges and co-educational universities such that women’s colleges were rated as more supportive for transgender students and students at women’s colleges held significantly more positive attitudes towards transgender students. Qualitative data reflected many challenges faced by transgender students. Future research should focus on what aspects of experience at women’s colleges lead to increased support and the ways in which all college environments can provide more inclusive spaces for transgender students.

Author

• Annie L Freitas, Tulane University