Key findings: long-term implications of dropping out for transgender youth
though the body of research clearly demonstrates the heightened vulnerabilities of transgender youth, it is important to acknowledge our resilience, our joy…
and the communities we build.
Even despite our adaptability to hostile environments, though, schools remain unsafe for many transgender students–often due to the pervasive discrimination and harassment fostered by institutionally-biased policy.
Unfortunately, these same policies mean that dropping out of high school places transgender youth at significant risk of enduring multiple adverse outcomes that extend well beyond their immediate educational prospects.
These long-term effects manifest across various aspects of their lives, exacerbating cycles of marginalization, economic instability, and disenfranchisement.
The six most significant long-term effects are the following:
Suicide Attempts
The psychological toll of dropping out is profound. Transgender youth who do not complete high school experience significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts. 1 The combination of minority stress, peer victimization, and lack of support networks creates severe mental health challenges, heightening their vulnerability to suicide. 2
Addiction and Substance Abuse
Leaving school prematurely also heightens the likelihood of substance abuse, as transgender youth often turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with rejection, discrimination, and family conflict. 3more3to3.3
Homelessness
Dropping out also increases the risk of homelessness for transgender youth, especially those who face family rejection. Roughly one third of transgender youth have experienced housing instability. 7 Without the foundational stability provided by education, these youth are more likely to be exposed to violence, exploitation, and food insecurity–all of which negatively affect their physical and mental well-being. 8
educational and career pathways
The decision to leave school significantly limits future career and educational opportunities. Transgender students, already at risk due to hostile school environments, face compounded challenges once they drop out, as their chances of accessing postsecondary education and entering well-paying careers diminish sharply. 9 This educational marginalization limits their socioeconomic mobility, often resulting in chronic underemployment or unemployment.
financial wellness
Dropping out compounds the financial challenges already faced by transgender individuals. Without a high school diploma or further educational credentials, transgender youth have fewer opportunities for stable employment and financial security. This economic hardship is compounded by discrimination in the workplace, creating persistent barriers to financial wellness. 10
incarceration rates
The lack of educational attainment also plays a significant role in the overrepresentation of transgender youth in the juvenile justice system. Dropping out is linked to a higher likelihood of incarceration, as these youth are often funneled into the school-to-prison pipeline due to systemic biases in disciplinary practices. This cycle of criminalization further marginalizes transgender youth, cutting them off from educational and economic opportunities. 11
