An Exploration of Transgender and Genderqueer Youths’ Perceptions And Experiences of Sexual Health Education in Kings County, Nova Scotia

Abstract

Abstract Background: Although sexual health education [SHE] is required in school curricula across Nova Scotia [NS], much of the content does not specifically address the unique information needs and lived experiences of transgender [trans] and genderqueer [GQ] youth. To supplement public school curricula, many youth access alternate sources of sexual health information. This study examined trans and GQ youths’ perceptions of SHE taught in high schools in Kings County, NS. Specifically, this study investigates how these students access relevant SHE inside and outside the classroom and explored possible approaches to meeting the SHE needs of trans and GQ youth. Methods: This qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with a diverse sample of trans and GQ youth between ages 16 and 23 who attend or attended high school in Kings County Nova Scotia within the previous two years. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and analyzed thematically. Potential Impact: The results from this research will help inform the creation of policy and curricular recommendations for educators and policy makers to implement improvements to existing SHE to meet the needs of trans and genderqueer youth in rural Nova Scotia.