“They won't push me away”: Transgender and gender-expansive youth of color's perceptions of parental gender-identity-specific support

Publication Date

4-1-2024

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Family Relations

Volume

73

Issue

2

DOI

10.1111/fare.12923

First Page

993

Last Page

1013

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to identify types of gender-identity-specific social support provided by parents that helps transgender and gender-expansive (TGE) youth of color thrive. Background: TGE youth of color benefit from parental social support, though less is known about supportive practices that specifically affirm marginalized gender identities—gender-identity-specific social support. Guided by a counter-storytelling framework that highlights the voices of TGE youth of color, this study investigates how TGE youth of color perceive such support from parents. Method: Data were collected via semistructured interviews with 18 youth (14–25 years, Mage = 20.28) who identified as TGE and as persons of color. Transcripts were analyzed using a modified thematic coding approach to identify themes related to youth perceptions of parental support of their gender identities. Results: Findings revealed four major themes related to parental provision of gender-identity-specific social support: self-work, support of gender-atypical behavior during early development, current affirmational and instrumental support, and family cohesion. Participants discussed parental gender-identity-specific support as a valued source of strength. Conclusion: TGE youth well-being can be enhanced by facilitating parents' provision of gender-identity-specific social support. Implications: Specific insight into sources of resilience and strength for TGE youth of color are offered for researchers and practitioners.

Funding Sponsor

Society for Research in Child Development

Keywords

adolescence, gender identity, parenting, racial and ethnic diversity, social support, transgender

Department

Child and Adolescent Development

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