At Western Youth Services (WYS), we believe that every young person deserves to show up as their true self, without compromise or apology. During Transgender Awareness Week, we invite our community, families, schools, and supporters to highlight the unique strengths and challenges of transgender youth. Our goal is to make every environment safer, more inclusive, and more welcoming for them.
Why This Matters
Transgender youth endure challenges that go far beyond what many of their peers experience. Many are faced with misunderstanding, rejection, and social stigma that can deeply affect their mental health and sense of belonging. According to The Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health, 46% of transgender and nonbinary young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year (The Trevor Project). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that about 3% of high school students identify as transgender, with another 2% unsure about their gender identity (CDC).
These numbers are not just statistics. They are a call to action. When families, educators, and communities come together to validate and empower transgender youth, we create paths towards belonging, hope, and long-term emotional wellness.
Supporting Transgender Youth in Everyday Life
At WYS, our approach to trans youth support goes farther than just language or policy. It starts with compassion, curiosity, and the willingness to listen. Asking a young person what name and pronouns they use can be a powerful way to show respect. Schools and community centers can strengthen this advocacy by offering gender inclusive restrooms, displaying materials that reflect diversity, and creating visible signs that celebrate every identity.
In our own programs, the WYS Behavioral Health Training Collaborative offers education for professionals, caregivers, and educators on inclusive care and trauma informed practices. These trainings help adults better understand the experiences of transgender youth and become active allies in their schools and communities (Western Youth Services).
Families play an especially important role. When parents or caregivers provide open communication, unconditional love, and advocacy in healthcare and school settings, it can completely reshape a young person’s experience. An uplifting home environment is the difference between isolation and resilience. Parents can also connect with empowering organizations such as PFLAG, The Trevor Project, or local LGBTQ+ centers to learn more about how to care for their child with confidence and understanding.
Strengthening Emotional Wellbeing and Confidence
Transgender youth are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, and self-harm because of the discrimination and exclusion they face. A 2023 study found that transgender youth experience significantly higher rates of poor mental health, self-harm, and harassment compared to their peers (ScienceDirect).
At Western Youth Services, we integrate mental health care into every part of our programs. This includes mindfulness practices, self-advocacy skills, and inclusive counseling designed to strengthen identity and build resilience. We also encourage community engagement and peer mentorship, where transgender youth can see others like themselves thriving and leading with pride. When they are surrounded by people who affirm and celebrate their identities, they are more likely to feel safe and valued.
Continuing the Commitment to Inclusion
Transgender Awareness Week is more than a campaign. It is a reminder that inclusion must be a continuous commitment. Communities can create meaningful change by hosting educational events, sharing accurate information about gender identity, and promoting resources for transgender youth that connect them to affirming care and nurturing networks. Small actions such as displaying inclusive signage, practicing respectful language, and showing genuine respect can have a lasting impact.
At Western Youth Services, we continue to advocate for spaces where all young people feel seen, respected, and celebrated. Every act of kindness, every moment of validation, and every effort to understand sends a message that they belong.
Sources:
