A qualitative inquiry into the oppression experienced by Australian transgender and gender expansive teens

Abstract

Background Transgender and gender expansive (TGE) teens in Australia face significant challenges due to oppression, yet limited research focuses on the psychological and social impacts on this demographic. Aim To investigate the impact of oppression on the psychological well-being and social experiences of TGE teens in Australia. Method Sixteen participants aged 14–17 were recruited through online platforms (e.g. Instagram) and organizations across Australia. Individual online semi-structured interviews lasting 60–120 min were conducted. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis, utilizing both inductive and deductive reasoning, was employed to analyze the narratives. The study adhered to ethical protocols approved by the Institutional Review Board. Results Two superordinate themes emerged from the analysis: (1) oppression and psychological well-being, and (2) navigating social constraints and self-expression. The findings highlight the influence of oppressive experiences (e.g. misgendering, transphobia, and lack of support) on mental health (e.g. suicidal ideation, addiction, depression) and behaviors (e.g. delayed gender identification). Despite these challenges, participants demonstrated resilience (e.g. self-advocacy) to navigate oppressive environments. Conclusion This study adds to prior research by highlighting the nuanced impacts of misgendering, transphobia, and lack of support, illustrating how these experiences contribute to a range of mental health issues and challenges in self-esteem and identity development. Despite potential limitations in self-reporting and sample size, the study offers valuable perspectives on the resilience and adaptive strategies employed by TGE teens. Future research should delve into the intersectionality of these experiences, the long-term effects of oppression, and the efficacy of targeted interventions.