CDC Survey Reveals Over 3% of U.S. High School Students Identify as Transgender

The survey highlights significant mental health challenges and bullying faced by transgender and gender-questioning youth.

The CDC's 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows 3.3% of high school students identify as transgender, with an additional 2.2% questioning their gender identity.
Transgender and questioning students report higher rates of bullying, with 40% experiencing bullying at school compared to 20% of cisgender females and 15% of cisgender males.
These students also face severe mental health challenges, with 71.9% of trans students reporting persistent sadness, and 26% having attempted suicide in the past year.
The survey indicates that inclusive school policies can improve the mental health and safety of LGBTQ+ students, though many states have passed restrictive laws affecting transgender youth.
CDC recommendations include implementing supportive school policies and providing mental health resources to address the disparities faced by transgender and questioning students.