Trans Youth and their Parents: an exploration of experiences and interventions in a trans-affirming perspective
This article explores the most recent knowledge on the experiences of trans youth and their parents. The article also explores best practices for professional who work with those families. Finally the article proposes two main principles of intervention to work with those populations, highlighting the importance of a transaffirmative perspective. In particular, it is proposed to challenge the current way of understanding gender and to appreciate the complexity of the various trajectories young people may take. Furthermore, we suggest focusing the intervention on promoting self-determination of the young person as well as to support families so they can better meet their child’s needs. Objectives To provide comprehensive review of current knowledge on the experience of parenting a transgender youth, and to propose some reflections on directions for working with those families. Method Written as a theoretical paper, this article employs a systematic literature review to identify promising interventions with families who support a transgender youth. Results Because families of transgender children and youth experience difficulties both on personal and social levels, many of which are coming from social stigmatization and lack of knowledge about their experience, it is proposed that practitioners work toward interventions that not only facilitate families support, but also works toward a more just and inclusive society by broadening access to services and by challenging oppressive structures that contribute to the difficulties experiences by children, youth and their families. Conclusion The paper proposes that practitioners working with families of transgender children must be guided by an reviewed conception of gender and an understanding of the multiplicity of contexts that may affect the person’s trajectory, as well as promoting self-determination and supporting families in meeting their needs.