Abstract
Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth experience health disparities due to stigma and victimization. Gender-affirming healthcare mitigates these challenges; yet, we have limited understanding of TGD youth’s healthcare experiences in the U.S. Midwest and South. Using a multiple case study design, we aimed to develop an in-depth and cross-contextual understanding of TGD youth healthcare experiences in one Midwestern state. Families with a TGD child under 18 were recruited with the goal of cross-case diversity by child age, gender, race, and/or region of the state; we obtained diversity in child age and region only. Four white families with TGD boys or non-binary youth (4–16) in rural, suburban, and small towns participated in interviews and observations for one year; public data were collected from each family’s community. Thematic analysis was used within and across cases to develop both family-level understanding and identify themes across families. Findings include a summary of each family as it relates to their child’s TGD healthcare experiences as well as the themes identified across cases: accessibility and affirming care. Although limited by a small sample with lack of gender and race diversity, this study contributes to our understanding of TGD youth healthcare in understudied regions.
Highlights
Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth experience stigma and victimization in their homes, schools, and communities [1]; these experiences are associated with increased health concerns, including depression, suicidality, substance abuse, eating disorders, and stress [2,3,4,5]
This study explored the healthcare experiences of four TGD youth and their parents in one Midwestern state
Numerous studies have shown that TGD youth face multiple barriers to accessing gender-affirming care
Summary
Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth experience stigma and victimization in their homes, schools, and communities [1]; these experiences are associated with increased health concerns, including depression, suicidality, substance abuse, eating disorders, and stress [2,3,4,5]. These health concerns can be mitigated or alleviated by supportive individuals and communities. TGD youth report decreased depression and suicidality when people in their lives use their chosen names [7].
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