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

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveThis 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.BackgroundTGE 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.MethodData 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.ResultsFindings 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.ConclusionTGE youth well‐being can be enhanced by facilitating parents' provision of gender‐identity‐specific social support.ImplicationsSpecific insight into sources of resilience and strength for TGE youth of color are offered for researchers and practitioners.