Youth and Caregiver Experiences of Gender Identity Transition: A Qualitative Study

Gender identity formation is a key part of normal adolescent development (Stieglitz, 2010). For transgender youth this is a multistage process that can be challenging both for the youth and for their families. In this sub analysis, we describe the journey transgender youth and their families experience throughout the stages of transitioning. Perspectives were solicited from transgender youth (age 14–22 years) and parents of transgender youth. Theoretical thematic analysis was used to find common themes using Atlas.ti software. Thirty-three participants (15 youth, 18 parents) were recruited, 16 of which were interviewed. Analysis revealed almost all of the youth and caregiver participants initially lacked the language and knowledge to accurately describe feelings of gender confusion. Once embarking on the transition process participants experienced both positive and negative reactions from families, friends and peers, school administrators and providers. However, all participants described transitioning as a rewarding and vital experience. Finally, many participants reported needing and or seeking mental health care, but experienced barriers. Youth and caregivers described varying experiences for youth throughout the recognition, coming out and transitioning process that impacted the journey. This is one of the first studies to collect an in-depth recall of the transitioning process from youth and caregiver perspectives, giving youth and families a voice to enable a greater understanding of the process of gender transition during adolescence.