Gender Conference NYC Professional Symposium 2019

There is a growing body of research on transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse children and their families. However, little is known about the ways in which parents and guardians buffer (address) potential experiences of stigma and discrimination for their TGNBGD child. Utilizing data from an ongoing study with parents/guardians of TGNBGD children this presentation will: 1) identify strategies and interventions parents/guardians use to support their TGNBGD child through the gender identity disclosure process; and 2) address the concrete ways individuals working with TGNBGD youth and their families can help integrate these strategies into their existing work.

This presentation has two parts. First, we will present data collected from former foster youth of color who are transgender or nonbinary. Data comes from a Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) study focusing on the experiences of LGBTQ former foster youth in Los Angeles using photovoice and qualitative interviewing. Thematic content analysis of interview data was used to explore the specific experiences of seven participants, who identified as transgender or nonbinary, from among a larger sample of 25 LGBTQ former foster youth. These seven participants also self-identified as youth of color. Participants ranged in age from 18-26. Findings revealed that transgender and nonbinary youth within the study experienced 1) increased placement disruption as compared to LGB youth (approximately twice as many placements compared to larger sample of LGB youth) 2) lack of worker and caregiver competency 3) barriers to accessing gender-affirming medical care and 4) barriers to housing, education, and employment that contributed to engagement in the underground economy and 5) strength and resilience in the face of adversity The second part of this presentation presents a practice model responsive to the unique concerns and strengths of trans and nonbinary youth of color. Specifically, the authors present an Inclusive Safety Plan of Care (I.S.P.O.C.) for transgender youth of color. An exemplar of application of this model to work with a child welfare involved young trans person of color is provided. The Inclusive Safety Plan of Care (I.S.P.O.C.) encourages client and therapist to co-create a plan to bring together concerns, ideas, strengths, and members of support to support transgender youth of color in meet their basic needs and achieving their goals and aspirations. Special consideration is given to permanency needs of child welfare involved young trans people of color. The ISPOC is designed to leverage the support of practitioners, family members, and other individuals, groups or communities a young person has identified as supportive, for the safety and well-being of the young person, without pathologizing their identities.

This workshop will highlight experiences designing and implementing The LGBTQ Institute for Family Therapy (LIFT) at The LGBT Community Center in New York City. LIFT is an integral component of family programming at The Center, which focuses on acceptance and permanency among families with LGBTQ youth.The presentation will also include information on transforming organizations to become more LGBTQ affirming and to develop programs that address the needs, well-being, and permanency of LGBTQ and gender non-conforming children and their families. To do so, discussion will also cover the intersection between race, culture, ethnicity and SOGIE, and the necessity to address the whole and complex identities of individuals and families served. This workshop will have include interactive activities throughout, including roleplays, as well as a Q&A session at the end, in order to allow child welfare providers to understand the needs of LGBTQ and gender expansive youth in care.

In the psychological literature on transgender and gender nonconforming youth, there are two large questions that shape the field. One asks whether children who identify as transgender or gender nonconforming as children will continue to identify the same way when they are adults. Another asks what decisions families make (e.g., early social transitions vs. watchful waiting) are associated with the best mental health outcomes. There are number of studies that are frequently cited as providing answers to these questions, though, like all studies, they each have methodological limitations. This presentation aims to (1) present the most commonly cited findings that address these questions, and (2) take a close look at both the contributions and limitations of each study. This presentation also seeks to grapple with the ethical implications of applying research findings to highly personal matters like one's gender identity and expression -- though it will likely present more questions than answers.