Trans children and schools

Illustration of four teenagers.

School staff must be fully prepared to meet the needs of transgender children and young people. This page compiles information on transgender children, a support plan for transgender students, and a checklist to foster a positive, welcoming school environment for all.

Checklist for creating a trans-inclusive school environment

Schools aiming to build a more trans-inclusive environment can use the following checklist. All schools can benefit from the checklist regardless of school level, but some aspects are more relevant to older children than younger ones and vice versa. 

View checklist for making schools more trans-inclusive View checklist for primary school to become trans-friendly View checklist for preschool with a trans child as a student View checklist for preschool to become trans-friendly
Illustration of a married couple with a teenager between them.

Support plan

Developing a support plan for transgender students can be helpful for any school. The following support plan is designed for transgender students, students with nonconforming gender expression, school staff, and guardians. The plan covers many aspects with a view to obtaining a good overview of the student's status, how the school can support the student, and what practical aspects need to be considered. The idea is for the student, guardians, and school representatives to meet and review the plan together.

Note that not all parts of the support plan apply to all students both for reasons of age but also considering the unique situation of each
individual. 

Material useful for trans children, immediate family, and professionals

Here is a list of LGBT+ education material including books, articles, videos, and more, covering LGBT+ issues, including transgender child and adult issues. 

You can also check out the 2021 Gender and LGBT+ Education Material Report, which groups content by school level. 

View LGBT+ education material View gender and LGBT+ education material for preschool and primary school (IS)

Support and services for transgender children

Education for school staff and immediate family members is essential to improving the well-being of transgender children and young people. Find additional details on terminology, support, and services for transgender children and young people below.

Learn more about terminology, support, and services

Communities and support for trans people and immediate families

Trans Ísland is an advocacy organization for transgender people in Iceland. They have a website with a variety of information about trans people, including a brochure intended for media professionals on how best to cover trans people.

Trans Friends is an advocacy organization for parents and the immediate families of trans children and young people in Iceland. Their website has more about the organization and various information about trans children and young people. 

Samtökin '78 — The National Queer Organisation of Iceland is an advocacy organization for LGBT+ people. Among its services, Samtökin '78 — The National Queer Organisation of Iceland runs a support group for the immediate family of transgender children and young people, while providing free counseling for transgender people and their families. 

More information, education, and advice

The Human Rights Office provides education, support, and advice on LGBT+ issues and broader equality matters.

 

  • You can reach the Human Rights Office's LGBT+ specialist by emailing hinsegin@reykjavik.is.
     
  • The Equality School provides support and advice, as well as education, on equality issues in both Reykjavík City schools and after-school programs. Contact the Gender Equality Academy at jafnrettisskolinn@reykjavik.is
     
  • Samtökin '78 have an agreement with Reykjavík City and provide training to students on LGBT+ issues and people in Reykjavík City schools free of charge. Free counseling is also available to LGBT+ people of all ages and their immediate family. You can sign up for education on the website of Samtökin '78
     
  • Samtökin '78 and Tjörnin run an LGBT+ youth center for all young people aged 13 to 16 who identify as LGBT+ or have another connection with LGBT+ issues. LGBT+ social activities are also available for 10-12 year olds. Hrefna Þórarinsdóttir is the director and she provides further information about their activities and opening hours.

For more information or advice, you can contact hinsegin@reykjavik.is