Transgender and nonbinary young adults' perception of sibling and parental support for gender identity

• Published in: Research in nursing & health 2022-10, Vol.45 (5), p.569-579
• Main Authors: Bosse, Jordon D., Dion, Kimberly A., Campbell Galman, Sally, Chiodo, Lisa M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Adult children; Advertisements; Child; Families & family life; Family relations; Family support; Female; Gender Identity; Humans; Male; Mental health; Non-binary gender; Nurses; Parental rejection; parental support; Parents & parenting; Parents - psychology; Perception; Perceptions; Relatives; Respondents; sibling support; Siblings; Social media; Transgender persons; Transgender Persons - psychology; United States; Young Adult; Young adults; Youth
• ISSN: 0160-6891; 1098-240X; 1098-240X
• DOI: 10.1002/nur.22251

Transgender and nonbinary young adults report frequent parental rejection was linked to poor mental health. There are limited data about transgender and nonbinary young adult sibling relationships following disclosure or discovery of gender identity. The purpose of this analysis is to compare transgender and nonbinary young adults' perception of parental and sibling support specifically for gender identity immediately after disclosure and in the present day. Eligible respondents were recruited via paid social media advertisements. Respondents provided data on demographics, family relationships, and perceived support for gender identity. The sample consisted of 348 transgender and nonbinary young adults (Mean age: 21.5 years) who lived in the United States, identified as White and were assigned female at birth. The majority reported on a nuclear family. Nearly three‐quarters (71.3%) had disclosed their identity to at least one parent and had done so within the past 3 years. Overall, respondents perceived a significant increase in family members' support from the time of disclosure to the time of the survey. Most respondents reported improved family relationships since disclosing their gender identity. Siblings were perceived as significantly more supportive than either parent at both time points. Siblings could be an essential source of support for transgender/nonbinary young people, particularly if parents are not accepting or do not yet know their child's gender identity. Nurses and other professionals working with transgender and nonbinary young people in school, community, and clinical settings should assess perceived support across familial relationships.