Transfeminine Spectrum Parenting: Evidence from the National Transgender Discrimination Survey

Abstract

Abstract Using data from the 2010 National Transgender Discrimination Survey, authors examined differences in likelihood of being a parent across a number of factors and described parenting experiences of those who were assigned a male sex at birth (AMAB) and who currently identify on the transfeminine spectrum (AMAB-transfeminine). Authors found that those who are AMAB-genderqueer are more likely to be parents, while those who were assigned female at birth regardless of gender identity are less likely to be parents. Among AMAB-transfeminine individuals, increases in likelihood of being a parent were found based on Latinx racial identity, being in a relationship, and with increases in age and income, whereas no significant differences were found based on educational level or disability status. Equal proportions of the AMAB-transfeminine parents reported that their relationship with their children has either stayed the same or become worse since coming out and between 16.0% and 42.0% of AMAB-transfeminine parents reported that either a judge, their ex-partner, or their children have limited their relationship. Findings underscore the importance of an intersectional understanding of the transgender community and the need for intersectional cultural responsiveness training for social workers, along with the need for family interventions and policy advocacy work.