Gay and lesbian teens in the United States are about 40 percent more likely than their straight peers to be punished by schools, police and the courts, according to a study published Monday, which finds that girls are especially at risk for unequal treatment. […]
The study, from Yale University [found] substantial disparities between gay and straight teens in school expulsions, arrests, convictions and police stops. The harsher approach is not explained by differences in misconduct, the study says.
“The most striking difference was for lesbian and bisexual girls, and they were two to three times as likely as girls with similar behavior to be punished,” said Kathryn Himmelstein, lead author of the study, published in the journal Pediatrics.
Why the punishment gap exists is less clear.
It could be that lesbian, gay and bisexual teens who got in trouble didn’t get the same breaks as other teens – say, for youthful age or self-defense, Himmelstein said. Or it could be that girls in particular were punished more often because of discomfort with or bias toward some who don’t fit stereotypes of femininity.
In the comments of Box Turtle Bulletin, Kat wrote:
I see this result as being in line with other research, such as the finding that gender non-conforming women are more likely to be sexually harassed than those who present more femininely (link).
I’d guess, like the lead author, that when police or other agents of authority “eyeball” people to see who’s a troublemaker/suspicious or whether or not they’re worth being lenient towards that gender non-conforming appearance/behavior can contribute to being seen as a less savory character.
The research doesn’t appear to have measured punishments of trans versus cis people, but I strongly suspect that a similar “extra punishment” effect applies to trans teenagers.
In my anecdotal experience, adults in positions of authority are no less bigoted than the average population, and any kid who ‘sticks out’ is a lightening rod for punishment. I wish this study surprised me, but it just articulated vague ideas I’ve held for a long time.
The one out girl I knew in high school was constantly dragged into the guidance office, questioned about her “extreme” (read: not stereotypically feminine, not in violation of any codes) dress, her very stable home life, etc. If she had ever done anything remotely ‘bad’ I’m certain that the school would’ve thrown the book at her. At the same time, girls who routinely dressed off code (very short skirts, sleeveless shirts, etc.) were rarely disciplined, although it was quite distracting. There’s a ton of straight privilege, not least of all protection by blending in.
I think the higher disparity for lesbian and bisexual girls comes from them being treated as harshly as gay and bisexual boys, while straight girls are generally treated more leniently than straight boys – so there will be a bigger difference between straight and gay/bisexual girls.
It’s a straight privilege that is even more skewed if you’re female, but once you’re considered non-straight, they’re treated equally bad.
They would also probably judge a boy as ‘more distracting’, if he did anything feminine. Ie wearing make-up or a skirt. You’ll more easily be considered gay, because some people will read it into behavior that is mundane (like sports in physical education, unmasculine interests like…reading for fun – not making this up) and not simply dress style, which they would rely on for girls.
It’s a stereotype that gay men *behave* a certain way, while lesbian women *look* a certain way. At least to be recognized as such by others. Gay guys can “dress straight” and without feminity in clothing/accessories, and still be “spotted” by others. Masculine-behaving gay men will typically not be spotted.
For myself, I’ll admit to being affected by the stereotype, but also to not care one bit about who is gay, lesbian, bisexual or not. I won’t treat people differently for it, as I don’t expect to be treated differently because I am trans. It’s being fair across the board to me.