Document Type

Honors Thesis

Publication Date

Spring 2014

Abstract

Although research on gay and lesbian students has taken off in recent years, there is a serious lack of research devoted solely to the transgender population, and even less specifically focused on transgender students. The research that has been conducted on transgender individuals is often focused on discrimination that they experience, and the effects of that discrimination. College is a period of personal growth and discovery for all students, but perhaps especially for transgender students. This study, therefore, aims to better understand how being transgender affects the college experience.

This qualitative study interviewed self-identified transgender students within the University of Maine system. Data was collected via interviews focused on the academic and environmental experiences of these students. The aim of this exploratory study was to gain further understanding of the unique needs of this student population, with the hope that it may inform future research on the trans community, as well as influence University of Maine policy to better suit the particular needs of these students. Results revealed a number of of concerns regarding academic, residential, transgender-specific resources, health, and safety. Implications and recommendations for future research are discussed.

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