167. “I’ve Never Told You That Before”: Caregiver-Youth Support and Communication When Initiating Gender Affirming Care

Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth disproportionately experience stigma and discrimination compared to their cisgender peers, increasing their risk of adverse health outcomes. A key protective factor for the health of TGD youth is support from caregivers (e.g., birth parents, legal guardians), including open and affirming communication about the youth ’s gender identity. Gender affirming care (GAC) is an approach where TGD youth can explore social, medical, and legal interventions to affirm their gender identity while engaging in open and affirming communication about these interventions with caregivers and health care providers.
Source: Journal of Adolescent Health - Category: Child Development Authors: Source Type: research