Considering Perspectives on Transgender Inclusion in Canadian Catholic Elementary Schools: Perspectives, Challenges, and Opportunities

Abstract

There is a growing recognition in society that more needs to be done to support LGBTQ youth in schools. In particular, school climate reports reveal that this need is particularly pressing for transgender individuals who are little understood and often rendered invisible or made to conform to gender-normative social standards. This mixed methods study surveyed and interviewed preservice teachers at three Catholic institutions. In particular, we focus on the shifting landscape of Catholic education in Canada as it relates to the support of transgender youth. The content of the study is framed by a common first grade social studies theme: family diversity, and takes its lead from the recent papal urging to pursue topics of discomfort at the peripheries of Catholic thinking. We explore how Catholic preservice teachers respond to the idea of teaching about transgender-parent families. The findings show there is dissonance between the personal and professional beliefs of new Catholic teachers. This dissonance is reflective of the beliefs held by North American Catholics at large, thus further illuminating the challenges and opportunities that are present in the emerging discussion about how to best support transgender students in Catholic school contexts.

Health-related needs and barriers in transgender populations: a systematic review study

“…Providing training units for medical students and health-care providers in universities and empowering and educating service provider professionals through internship courses in centers for TGs can help raise awareness in TG service providers. In Canada, for example, several training units have been designed and implemented for general medical courses and other related disciplines (Wright-Maley et al , 2016; Giblon and Bauer, 2017; Underman et al , 2016; Unger, 2015; Clark et al , 2018).…”

Complicit silence, fluid identities and a shift to personalized faith: LGBTQ+ experiences in conservative Christian communities

“…The silencing of LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies ultimately reinforces the predominance of heteronormativity and gender normativity within these communities, and fuels fears of disclosure (Craig et al, 2017: 12). This absence of support for LGBTQ+ individuals in religious contexts tends to undermine the qualities of unconditional love, openness and equity often espoused in these communities (Wright-Maley et al, 2016: 189).…”

“…Struggling with conflict between religion and sexuality or gender identity, as well as living in an LGBTQ+-adverse environment, can have significant and long-lasting consequences for LGBTQ+ individuals. When LGBTQ+ people find themselves in anti-LGBTQ+ religious contexts, they are at risk of victimization, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, despair, self-loathing, isolation, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, internalized homophobia and transphobia, difficulties in school, feelings of shame, guilt, substance abuse, dysfunctional peer group and family relationships, and attempts to change their gender identity or sexual orientation through reparative therapy or prayer (Beagan and Hattie, 2015; Grozelle, 2017; Joldersma, 2016; Levy, 2008; Moon and Tobin, 2018; Murr, 2013; Quinlivan and Town, 1999; Wright-Maley et al, 2016; Yip, 1998). Individuals are more likely to act out their prejudices when they consider them to be culturally legitimate and shared by others (O’Brien, 2008: 498).…”

“…There is a growing recognition in North American society that more needs to be done to support LGBTQ+ individuals in religious contexts (Wright-Maley et al, 2016). Significant qualitative studies that focus on LGBTQ+ experiences in religious contexts do exist; however, these studies largely focus on the religious climate present within the USA.…”