So it turns out previous studies (like this one in 2017) basically asked teens if they were Trans. They found that 1.8% (so, 18 kids out of 1,000) identified as Trans.
A new study that will be published in the June 2021 issue of the journal Pediatrics, and reported by CNN in this article, High schoolers may be more gender-diverse than previously thought, new study says, did it differently. They asked two questions:
The first question was: “What is your sex (the sex you were assigned at birth, on your birth certificate)?” with the options of “female” and “male.” The second question was: “Which of the following best describes you (select all that apply)?” with the options of “girl,” “boy,” “trans girl,” “trans boy,” “genderqueer,” “nonbinary,” and “another identity.”
Dr. Kacie Kidd who conducted the study, “found that 9.2% of kids consider themselves gender-diverse in some way.” That’s 92 kids out of 1,000.
An enormous difference – and it’s probably not because there were four years between studies. The difference, as Dr. Kidd put it, was they they asked “a more inclusive question about gender identity.”
And while it’s great to see this larger representation of Queer identities be acknowledged, we shouldn’t fall into the trap that a disenfranchised group is only worthy of respect, rights, and justice, based on their population. Even if it’s just one kid in a million, or a billion, each and every human being should be celebrated for being their authentic selves.
The light in me recognizes and acknowledges the light in you,
Lee
Reading articles like this gives me more hope for the future. As these children grow up and take their roles in our society, they will replace the old guards’ discrimination, fear, and hate. Love is love, and love is always stronger than hate. ❤🌈