Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work

Department

School of Social Work

First Reader/Committee Chair

Jospeh, Rigaud

Abstract

Transphobia is a form of discrimination against transgender, non-binary, two-spirit, genderqueer, and intersex individuals based on their gender identity. Transphobia and transphobic rhetoric result in higher rates of bullying and mental health challenges for transgender students. A significant obstacle presented in the education system for transgender students is the lack of education on interventions against transphobic bullying. This study assessed the awareness and receptiveness of K -12 teachers in California regarding the use of school-based interventions against transphobia. Using a purposive sampling method, this cross-sectional study surveyed K -12 teachers across California to determine their awareness and receptiveness levels regarding school-based interventions against transphobia (N = 103). Descriptive statistics revealed that about a fifth of the sample (18.4%) reported only a low to moderate level of awareness in reference to anti-transphobic interventions. Similarly, 12.1% of the participants reported a low to moderate receptiveness toward using such interventions. Although low, these proportions are significant. The findings of this study have implications for the K-12 system by calling on teachers to broaden their understanding of ways to combat transphobia among adolescent queer communities and for policy reform regarding transgender education.

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