Panel discusses legislation and the declining wellness of transgender individuals

“It’s not the identity that’s the problem. It’s living in a world that is telling you you don't belong.”

Dr. Carrie Brown, Director of Counseling at the Barnes Center at the Arch, stood in front of a small audience, choking up as she discussed the declining wellness of transgender youth. Brown’s presentation was part of a larger panel hosted by Syracuse University to raise awareness about the negative effects of anti-transgender legislation.

The panel took place in Slocum Hall on Tuesday, November 29, with five experts gathering to present data and new initiatives to support transgender students on campus. Brown kicked off the event by supplying graphs depicting the increase of anti-transgender bills, even showing two active bills targeting women’s sports in New York.

The majority of the bills involve healthcare, or issues regarding sports and locker rooms. According to Brown, there are 373 active bills in 49 states. A majority of the legislation is operating under a harmful stereotype: transgender persons are threatening to children.

“The laws are targeting trans youth under the guise of protecting children,” said Brown.

As a direct result of this legislative surge, the mental health of transgender persons is rapidly declining. Rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide are significantly higher in those that identify as transgender or gender non-conforming, according to Kathleen Coughlin, the Director of Healthcare at the Barnes Center.

The panelists shifted the event to a more positive light by outlining several new initiatives on campus in support of transgender students. The Barnes Center has made all of their bathrooms gender-inclusive, and they are designating spaces and hours exclusively for LGBTQ+ individuals. Through the Marriage and Family Therapy Department, there is also free affirmative therapy and community clinics available. Additionally, they have updated counselor’s descriptions to promote their training in affirmative therapy, in an attempt to reassure skeptical students.

Following the presentation, the space was opened up for audience questions. When asked about the upcoming election and the possible onslaught of harmful rhetoric, the panelists affirmed their dedication to supporting transgender students and promised to increase their outreach efforts.

In closing, the panel emphasized the importance of taking personal responsibility for your community. It is no longer enough to say that you support the transgender community, according to Brown. It needs to be shown and acted upon. They encourage students to update their pronouns in MySlice, educate themselves and others, and promote being an active ally on campus.

(BROADCAST VERSION)

Slug: Panel Event

TRT: (00:50)

In light of recent ANTI-TRANS bills, S.U. hosted a panel to discuss data, ramifications, and how to help.

Dr. Carrie Brown, Director of Counseling at the Barnes Center at the Arch, spoke about how legislation DIRECTLY impacts the mental health of transgender youth.

“It’s not the identity that’s the problem. It’s living in a world that is telling you you don't belong.”

With the wellness of trans persons QUICKLY declining, the Barnes Center is acting. Increasing gender-affirming care and creating inclusive gym spaces are just some of their new policies.

Kathleen Coughlin, Director of Healthcare at Barnes, emphasized that affirmative care is different for everyone.

“When you’ve met one trans person, you’ve met one trans person.”

With the upcoming election and possibly damaging rhetoric, students voiced concerns about safety on campus. The panelists emphasized the resources provided by Barnes and promised to increase their outreach in the following year.

To create a more inclusive campus, students should make sure to update their pronouns on MySlice, educate themselves and others, and promote ACTIVE allyship.