Authors: Abela, D., Lea, S & Patlamazoglou, L.
Date of publication: 2024
Journal: International Journal of Transgender Health
Summary: This Australian study used interviews to explore the experiences of 16 trans and gender-expansive (TGE) teenagers aged 14-17 years old. They found that two themes emerged from these interviews: (1) Oppression and psychological wellbeing, and (2) Navigating social constraints and self-expression.
The authors define oppression to mean the stigma, invalidation and discrimination that TGE teens experience and the responses received were complex, revealing difficulties with self-esteem, body image, sense of safety, increased stress, fatigue, suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms. Alongside the increased challenges the participants identified, the pressure to conform to binary standards was significant and negatively impacted many areas of their lives.
The study went on to find that TGE youth are highly adaptive in response to oppressive contexts with participants citing coping strategies such as avoidance, creation of affirming environments and strategic disclosure.
The researchers highlight that safe spaces which are free from judgment are necessary to foster authentic self-expression and alleviate the psychological impact of oppression.
You can read the full study here
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