Associations between trans-inclusive resources and feelings of inclusion in campus LGBTQ+ groups: Differences for trans students of color.

Abstract

Transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming (TNG) college students, especially TNG students of color, often face marginalization and victimization within higher education settings. Implementing inclusive policies and practices may help to mitigate the harmful effects of these experiences and strengthen students’ connections to colleges and universities. Using data from a 2016 online survey of TNG students’ experiences (n = 523), we conducted multivariate ordinal regressions to examine whether knowledge of trans-inclusive campus resources was associated with stronger perceptions of inclusion in campus LGBTQ+ groups, particularly in relation to TNG students’ intersecting gender and racial identities. We found that TNG students who knew of a higher number of trans-inclusive resources generally felt a stronger sense of inclusion in campus LGBTQ+ groups. This association was moderated by students’ race: White students, but not students of color, reported feeling stronger levels of inclusion in LGBTQ+ groups if they were aware that their institutions had a relatively greater number of trans-inclusive resources. Therefore, TNG students of color were more likely to feel marginalized within LGBTQ+ groups, even when they reported higher levels of trans-inclusive resources on their campuses. Findings are considered in light of existing research on TNG students’ experiences within higher education settings, and recommendations are made for providing stronger supports for TNG students of color.

Change in Finances, Peer Access, and Mental Health Among Trans and Nonbinary People During the COVID-19 Pandemic

“… 56 Prior research has suggested that TNB individuals facing multiple intersecting systems of oppression (e.g., racism, ableism, classism) may be at greater risk of health inequity 57 , 58 and that the potential benefits of community resources may vary across groups. 59 Due to limited sample size, we did not conduct an intersectional analysis in the present report, which limited our ability to investigate potential variations across subgroups and obtain deeper understanding into the experiences of the diverse TNB population. We additionally were unable to include participants who did not complete the COVID-19 follow-up survey and it is possible that their unavailability was related to distress or financial strain.…”