Parent/Caregiver Narratives of Challenges Related to Raising Transgender and/or Nonbinary Youth
Parents/caregivers of transgender and/or nonbinary (TNB) youth (those who identify with a different gender than the gender typically associated with their assigned sex) may experience secondary stigma related to their child’s TNB identity. However, parent/caregiver support is critical for TNB youth’s mental health. This study explored attitudes and challenges faced by parents/caregivers of TNB youth. Data were from 27 parents/caregivers of TNB youth who completed an anonymous online survey with qualitative and quantitative measures. Qualitative data were analyzed using immersion/crystallization and thematic analysis approaches. Six themes were developed from the data: TNB youth individual characteristics/experiences, societal and other external factors affecting parent/caregivers’ future outlook, TNB identity development and transition, TNB-related social and institutional interactions, parent/caregivers’ supportive cognitions and behaviors, and parent/caregivers’ challenging cognitions. Findings from this study can inform efforts to support parents/caregivers of TNB youth, which can ultimately support the well-being of TNB youth themselves.