Exploring Transgender Students Social Inclusion at Public Universities of Bangladesh

Transgender student's social inclusion is crucial for ensuring human rights. This study explores the social inclusion status of transgender students at public universities in Bangladesh. This study followed a phenomenological approach to get in-depth lived experiences of transgender students. Six participants from four public universities were selected purposively for this study. In-depth interviews were conducted, and data was analyzed thematically following an inductive approach. Nine themes emerged, such as the gender identity of transgender students, experiences of discrimination in campus activities, social exclusion, bullying and harassment, impact on mental ability, impact on academic performance, university livelihood, institutional supports, and inadequate policy. This study indicated that transgender students are deprived of their rights as human beings in universities. Besides, they are the victims of bullying, sexual harassment, and avoidance from classmates and teachers, which impact their physical, mental, and academic lives. This study urges university authorities to take specific policies to ensure transgender students have congenial and inclusive learning environments.