Nine Ways Parents Can Support Their Gender Diverse Children

Oliver Burnett; Gina M Sequeira; Rivers S Rodanthe; Kacie M Kidd

doi:10.1089/trgh.2022.0016

Nine Ways Parents Can Support Their Gender Diverse Children

Transgend Health. 2024 Jan 31;9(1):98-103. doi: 10.1089/trgh.2022.0016. eCollection 2024 Feb.

Authors

Oliver Burnett¹, Gina M Sequeira², Rivers S Rodanthe³, Kacie M Kidd⁴

Affiliations

¹ Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
² Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA.
³ University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
⁴ Department of Pediatrics, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA.

PMID: 38312457
PMCID: PMC10835157 (available on 2025-01-31)
DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2022.0016

Abstract

Parental support is associated with improved mental health outcomes for gender diverse youth (GDY). Parents often seek guidance from pediatric providers, but few studies explore what actions make GDY feel supported. Using a qualitative analysis of open-ended survey responses, we aimed to identify ways in which GDY want to be supported by their parents or caregivers. Nine key themes were identified, including using affirming language at home and other settings as desired by GDY, seeking education, and aiding in accessing affirming items and care. Findings from this study can help pediatric medical and mental health providers help parents to support their GDY.

Keywords: adolescence; mental health; parenting; sexual/gender minorities and parenting; transgender.