Did it Get Better? The Realities of Queer and Trans Youth of Color in K-12 Schools

• In Event: Racial/Ethnic Equity and School Safety

Abstract

The lived experiences of queer and trans people of color (QTPOC) are significantly influenced by the various environments they navigate – including but not limited to their families, schools, neighborhoods, communities, and workplaces. QTPOC youth – or LGBTQ+ youth who identify as Asian, Black, Indigenous, Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, or/and multiracial – are susceptible to multiple forms of racism, sexism, transphobia, heterosexism, classism, and more. This paper seeks to highlight the experiences of QTPOC youth – particularly how their intersectional identities influence their experiences within school environments and how victimization may result in negative educational and health outcomes. We underscore four major areas that educators must be aware of when working with QTPOC youth: (a) Common experiences for QTPOC youth; (b) QTPOC youth experiences within schools; (c) School to prison pipeline; and (d) Other social determinants/intersectionalities. Furthermore, we provide recommendations for educators and communities working with QTPOC youth.

Authors

• Kevin Nadal, City University of New York

• Wiston Rodriguez, City University of New York