Imagining the future: Perspectives among youth and caregivers in the trans youth family study.

Abstract

Future perspectives of transgender youth and their caregivers may be shaped by knowledge of discrimination and adverse mental health among transgender adults. Qualitative data from the Trans Youth Family Study were used to examine how transgender and gender nonconforming (TGN) youth and their caregivers imagine the youth's future. A community-based sample of 16 families (16 TGN youth, ages 7-18 years, and 29 caregivers) was recruited from two regions in the United States. Participants completed in-person qualitative interviews and surveys. Interview transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory methodology for coding procedures. Analyses yielded 104 higher order themes across 45 interviews, with eight prominent themes: comparing experiences with others, gender affirming hormones, gender affirming surgery, gender norms, questioning whether the youth is really transgender, expectations for romantic relationships, uncertainty about the future, and worries about physical and emotional safety. A conceptual model of future perspectives in TGN youth and caregivers is presented and clinical implications are discussed.

Transactional pathways of transgender identity development in transgender and gender-nonconforming youth and caregiver perspectives from the Trans Youth Family Study

“…Although the majority of caregivers in our study were supportive of their child’s transgender identity at the time of participation, caregivers described a range of initial emotional responses. Even though many caregivers struggled to cope with and make sense of their reactions to their child’s identity, they were also compelled to find ways to support their child (e.g., join support groups, seek professional assistance), as well as protect their child from stigma, discrimination, and hostility (Katz-Wise et al, 2017). …”

“…Interview questions analyzed for this study addressed assigned sex at birth; current gender identity; and transgender identity development, including developmental milestones (e.g., age youth first identified their gender differently than their sex assigned at birth, age youth first told someone about gender identity), perceptions of gender identity by TGN youth and others, and interactions with other transgender individuals. Other interview questions not analyzed for this study addressed emotions and coping related to the youth’s gender identity, effects of the youth’s gender identity on relationships within and outside of the family, and support needs, and have been published elsewhere (Katz-Wise, Budge, Orovecz, Nguyen, Nava-Coulter, & Thomson, 2017). …”

Sex Education for Transgender and Non-Binary Youth: Previous Experiences and Recommended Content

“…16 As was highlighted in a recent American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement on comprehensive care and support of transgender youth, children who later go on to identify as TNB reported having felt their gender was "different" at age 8.5 years, on average, although most did not disclose these feelings until 10 years later. 3,17 It can be extrapolated that, in many schools and communities, there are likely middle and high schoolers privately experiencing feelings of gender dysphoria, in addition to TNB students whose identity is public or semi-public. It is during these same years of adolescence that many youth receive sex education, either through formal curricula or other sources.…”

Gaslighting in the context of clinical interactions with parents of transgender children

“…Other studies have found that transgender young people experience identityrelated abuse from their parents in the form of trying to "cure" their child by forcing them into reparative therapy (e.g. Mallon & DeCrescenzo, 2006), questioning whether their child is actually transgender (Katz-Wise et al, 2017), and suggesting their gender is a cover for other issues (e.g. Wren, 2002).…”