Surviving a Gender-Variant Childhood: The Views of Transgender Adults on the Needs of Gender-Variant Children and Their Parents

Abstract

Adults with gender-variant childhoods have often lived traumatic lives because of the attitudes and limited understanding that people in their environment had of the concept of gender variance. This study explores the childhoods of transgender adults with the aim to understand their gender-related difficulties as children, in order to identify their needs and the needs of their parents at that time. The authors conducted a semi-structured survey with 110 transgender adults in order to explore their retrospective childhood experiences. Responses were analyzed through content and thematic coding. Their needs most commonly identified as children were for educated authority figures; acceptance and support to discuss their gender variance; freedom of identity expression; validation; and recognition. The needs most commonly allocated to their parents were access to information, education to increase other's awareness, peer support, and access to educated professionals.

Self-Harming Thoughts and Behaviors in a Group of Children and Adolescents with Gender Dysphoria

“…A study by Riley, Clemson, Sithartan, and Diamond (2013) looking at adults in Australia with gender variant childhoods found that many of the participants had been ridiculed and attacked as children often resulting in low self-esteem and fear. Yet little is known about prevalence rates of self-harming in this group of young people.…”

“Am I Doing the Right Thing?”: Pathways to Parenting a Gender Variant Child

“…Resilience theory emphasizes support within these environments, including family environments, as a key factor in the development of resilience among children facing stress (Sameroff, 2009). Quantitative data from LGBTQ youth suggest that acceptance in peer, family, and school social settings supports adjustment (Grossman, D’Augelli, & Frank, 2011; Ryan, Russell, Huebner, Diaz, & Sanchez, 2010); conversely, experiences of stigma have been linked to lower levels of psychological well-being among GV youth and young adults presenting for gender-related treatment (Baams, Beek, Hille, Zevenbergen, & Bos, 2013). These quantitative data are supported by qualitative data from transgender adults emphasizing experiences of rejection from parents, schools, and social contexts (Levitt & Ippolito, 2013, 2014).…”

The Experience of Parents Who Support Their Children's Gender Variance

“…Many parents need support in managing stigma and efficiently advocating on their children's behalf (Riley et al, 2011) as well as accessing information and specialized services or educating others (such as service providers) about their children's needs and experiences (Riley, Sitharthan, Clemson, & Diamond, 2013). Wren's (2002) interviews with parents of gender-variant teenagers revealed that how parents understood their children's transgenderism is iteratively linked to their capacity for acceptance.…”