A Mixed-Methods Inquiry Into Trans* Environmental Microaggressions on College Campuses: Experiences and Outcomes

ABSTRACT

The experiences, including with environmental microaggressions, and well-being of trans* collegians remain an under-researched topic. In this mixed-methods study of a survey sample of 152 trans* collegians, multivariable regression findings suggest that the frequency of experiencing select trans* environmental microaggressions (e.g., not having access to comfortable bathrooms as a trans* person) are associated with increased risk for poorer academic outcomes (e.g., developmental challenges) but are not associated with mental health outcomes. Furthermore, interviews with 18 trans* collegians suggest that students face several systemic microaggressions, including difficulties advancing trans* inclusion. Various reactions, including paths of resistance, were identified. Implications are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Academic performance
• college students
• mental health
• minority stress theory
• structural stigma
• transgender

Funding

This study was supported by the College of Education, Michigan State University, as well as the National Center for Institutional Diversity and the Curtis Center, both located at the University of Michigan. It was also supported by Wilfrid Laurier University and the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada.

Notes

^1. We use “trans*” to signify an opening up of the category to move beyond simplistic understandings of trans* gender identities and explicitly include identities such as gender nonconforming, genderqueer, and two-spirit (Tompkins, 2014).

^2. We use the latter as an outcome given that psychological climate can be critical in shaping student health and development.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the College of Education, Michigan State University, as well as the National Center for Institutional Diversity and the Curtis Center, both located at the University of Michigan. It was also supported by Wilfrid Laurier University and the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada.