Supporting Transgender Youth Across Psychosocial Systems

Aurora Psychiatric Associates, Greenwich, CT, USAThe work with transgender youth should be approached from the same framework as with any youth. Clinicians must use a developmental lens that takes into account both strengths and vulnerabilities and work with the youth and family to tip the balance toward spaces and experiences that will support their development and build resilience. The resources available to individual youth depend highly on the systems around them. Opportunities for support exist within schools, broader communities, religious organizations, and with medical professionals who practice gender-affirming care. Clinicians who are familiar with resources in their communities can effectively guide transgender youth and their families to these affirming spaces. Based on the continued high rates of negative health outcomes in transgender youth, it is clear that not enough resources are accessible to these kids and their families. It is paramount that clinicians, especially in underserved communities, are knowledgeable about resources within their communities and how to connect transgender youth to broader resources (online spaces, telehealth visits with competent providers, and advocacy groups). Additionally, adults across all domains of children's lives (parents, teachers, religious leaders, politicians, medical providers) must further educate themselves about gender-diverse youth and their needs to broaden the supportive scaffold that protects them from negative outcomes. Only then might we turn the tide toward a safe and affirming world for transgender youth to develop into their authentic selves.