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About this paper symposium
| Panel information |
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| Panel 19. Sex, Gender |
| Paper #1 | |
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| Weight-Based Bullying Experienced by Canadian Youth Across Intersections of Gender and Sexuality | |
| Author information | Role |
| Dr. Deinera Exner-Cortens, University of Calgary, Canada | Presenting author |
| Wendy Craig, Queen’s University, Canada | Non-presenting author |
| Alexa Martin-Storey, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada | Non-presenting author |
| Laura Lambe, St. Francis Xavier University, Canada | Non-presenting author |
| Ann Farrell, Brock University, Canada | Non-presenting author |
| Brett Holfeld, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada | Non-presenting author |
| Abstract | |
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Introduction: Bullying experienced by sexually and gender diverse youth is a serious issue impacting positive development (e.g., Clark et al., 2020; Day et al., 2020; Gower et al., 2022). Many youth also experience bullying based on their body weight, shape, or size (Joo et al., 2023). However, the majority of work in this area considers single-identity categories, which does not capture complexity of lived experiences. Further, for gender and sexually diverse youth, most research considers them as a single group (i.e., LGBTQ youth), eliding important distinctions in bullying experiences. Research Question: Intersectionality considers how multiple, interlocking systems of oppression, such as homophobia, transphobia, and fatphobia, differentially shape lived experiences (Crenshaw, 1991; Santos & Toomey, 2018). Within an intersectional perspective, youth who occupy multiply marginalized positions (e.g., youth who are both queer and gender diverse) are subject to greater structural risk for negative developmental outcomes. To apply this theory to identity-based bullying, this study examines whether youth who are multiply marginalized based on sexual and gender identity experience more weight-based bullying than their cisgender and heterosexual (cishet) peers. In this exploratory study, we were specifically interested in weight-based bullying since theories of sexuality and gender describe how queer and trans bodies violate cishet norms (e.g., Butler, 2006; hooks, 2004), leading to potentially higher risk of identity-based bullying based on body weight, shape, or size. Study Population and Methods: Data were collected from youth across Canada in fall 2023 (N = 1123, Mage = 14.7). Youth were asked their sex assigned at birth, their current gender identity, and whether or not they were transgender. These variables were used to create 6 categories of gender and sexual identity (cishet boys, cishet girls, gender diverse heterosexual youth, queer cisgender boys, queer cisgender girls, and gender diverse and queer youth). In this study, gender diverse includes both trans youth and other forms of gender diversity (e.g., genderqueer). All youth were asked if they had been bullied at school in the past few months based on their body weight. We also included bullying at school based on a) gender identity and b) sexual orientation as comparators. Youth were also asked if they ever felt unsafe at school due to their body shape/size, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression. Data were analyzed using descriptive and bivariate statistics. Results: Queer boys, gender diverse and queer youth, and queer girls reported the highest rates of frequent weight-based bullying, respectively (Figure 1). Lower prevalence was reported by heterosexual youth across gender identities (Figure 1). Similarly, gender diverse queer youth, queer boys, and queer girls reported the greatest feelings of unsafety at school due to their body shape or size, as compared to heterosexual youth across gender identities (Table 1). Conclusion: Queer youth across the gender spectrum reported the highest rates of weight-based bullying and the greatest feelings of unsafety at school due to their body/shape size. More nuanced understanding of differences in bullying across intersections of identity are critical for informing prevention and intervention approaches to promote healthy development. |
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| Paper #2 | |
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| Prevalence of suicidality among TGD youth: A meta-analysis and systematic review | |
| Author information | Role |
| Kristine Lyn Pesigan, University of Calgary, Canada | Presenting author |
| Deinera Exner Cortens, University of Calgary, Canada | Non-presenting author |
| Taylor Burke, Massachusetts General Hospital, USA | Non-presenting author |
| Brae Anne McArthur, University of Calgary, Canada | Non-presenting author |
| Abstract | |
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Introduction: Suicide remains a leading cause of death among youth aged 15-24 (CDC, 2022). In particular, transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth experience elevated rates of suicidal ideation and attempts when compared to their cisgender peers (Vigny-Pau et al., 2021). Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals are those whose gender identity differs from their sex at birth. This population faces significant marginalization, discrimination, and stigma, which contribute to their increased vulnerability to mental health challenges and, consequently, a higher risk of suicidal behavior (Cicero & Wesp, 2017; Vigny-Pau et al., 2021). While most studies indicate heightened risk for suicidality among sexual and gender minority youth, prevalence rates for TGD youth remain unclear. This information is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention programs aimed at supporting TGD youth. Thus, this study aims to determine the prevalence of suicidal tendencies such as suicidal ideation, plans, and attempts among TGD youth, employing a meta-analytic approach to provide more definitive evidence based on the current literature. Methods/Data Sources: A systematic search of several databases (APA PsycINFO (OVID), PubMed, CINAHL, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, Ovid MEDLINE(R), Web of Science, Social Work Abstracts, Scopus, and Cochrane Library) was conducted on May 4, 2023. The search strategy combined three key terms: 1) transgender or gender non-conforming, 2) suicidality, and 3) youth or adolescents (age ≤ 25 years old). Studies were included if they reported on suicidality prevalence TGD youth, had quantitative data, and were published in English. The meta-analysis adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Results: The search yielded a total of 2,123 nonduplicate titles/abstracts and 742 full-text studies were reviewed. A total of73 studies met full inclusion criteria and were extracted. The meta-analysis comprised a total of 59,237 youth with a mean age of 16.57years (range: 8.5 – 23.4 years), and on average 58 % were White. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted, yielding pooled prevalence estimates for suicidal ideation at 48.8% (95% CI, 44.4-53.3%), suicide attempts at 27.3% (95% CI, 24.4-30.4%), and suicide plans at 25.4% (95% CI, 16.2-37.6%). Moderator analyses revealed that effect sizes varied as a function of age, gender identity, geographic location, study methodology (past vs. current; questionnaire vs. interview), and study quality. Conclusion: Pooled estimates indicate that nearly half of TGD youth experience suicidal ideations, highlighting the profound mental health challenges faced by this population. Furthermore, approximately one in four TGD youth formulate plans to take their own lives, with the same proportion reporting a past suicide attempt. The high rates of suicidal tendencies underscore the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions for TGD youth. The findings of this study provide critical insights that can inform the development of more tailored and inclusive prevention and intervention strategies aimed at reducing suicidality while enhancing support and improving well-being among TGD youth. |
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| Paper #3 | |
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| Navigating Barriers and Facilitators: Enhancing Healthcare Access for Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth | |
| Author information | Role |
| Lindsay Berg, University of Calgary, Canada | Presenting author |
| Darian Mahmi, University of Calgary, Canada | Non-presenting author |
| Deinera Exner Cortens, University of Calgary, Canada | Non-presenting author |
| Brae Anne McArthur, University of Calgary, Canada | Non-presenting author |
| Abstract | |
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Background The transgender and gender diverse (TGD) community is at greater risk of experiencing stigma and discrimination, established predictors of poorer physical and mental health outcomes (Drabish & Theeke, 2021; Kachen & Pharr, 2020). High rates of victimization including exposure to transphobic bullying, verbal and physical aggression, and sexual assault have devastating impacts on TGD youth mental health and can lead to detrimental mental and physical health outcomes (Coulter et al., 2015; Johns et al., 2019). TGD youth face higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicidality, emergency room visits, and chronic health disorders exacerbated by lower primary health care uptake (Abramovich et al., 2020; James et al., 2020; Seelman et al., 2017; Veale et al., 2017). Improving access to mental and medical healthcare is critical to mitigating the negative mental and physical outcome risks that TGD youth face. Aim Through a community engaged research partnership with TGD youth, TGD community resource providers, and academic researchers, we aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to receiving mental and medical healthcare for TGD youth. Methods Participants (N=40) 12 to 25 years of age participated in a 45-to-60-minute semi-structured qualitative interview. Participants were asked to describe their experiences in the medical and mental health care systems, identify their service needs, describe the barriers and facilitators to care they experienced, and provide suggestions to improve accessibility. Transcript data were analyzed inductively using Creswell & Poth’s (2023) three level analysis framework to identify codes and themes. To increase the credibility, transferability, and dependability of findings the research team adhered to the guidelines for the publication of qualitative studies (Nowell et al., 2017). Results A preliminary analysis revealed mental and medical health care shared many common barriers, including negative past experiences with care providers (e.g. invalidating comments, invasive and irrelevant questions, misgendering), patient anxiety, and poor care-provider knowledge of TGD issues. Additionally, mental health care barriers included low financial resources, long wait times, low parental support, transportation difficulties. Facilitators of both mental and medical health care include prior positive interactions (e.g. use of affirming pronouns/name, kindness, connection to resources that support self-determined goals) and referral to competent and trusted TGD care providers from the TGD community. Mental health care was facilitated by opportunities to receive care at school, the ability to engage mental health providers without parental input, and low to no-cost care options. Facilitators to medical care include access to clinics equipped to provide both general and TGD specific medical care. TGD youth suggested health provider education to increase availability of TGD competent care, advertising of available resources, and increased access to free mental health resources to improve their access to care. Implications The results of this study can inform practice changes to increases accessibility and uptake of preventative and primary care for TGD youth. Addressing barriers and facilitators to care is critical to reducing TGD youth physical and mental health disparities and has the potential to positively impact developmental and life trajectories of TGD youth. |
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| Paper #4 | |
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| Impact of Legal Context on Parental Support and Advocacy for Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth | |
| Author information | Role |
| Louis-Thomas Bouchard Morin, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada | Presenting author |
| Alexa Martin-Storey, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada | Non-presenting author |
| Geneviève Paquette, Université de Sherbrooke, Canada | Non-presenting author |
| Roberto L. Abreu, University of Florida, USA | Non-presenting author |
| Russell B. Toomey, University of Arizona, USA | Non-presenting author |
| Abstract | |
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Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people, especially TGD youth, are one of the most vulnerable populations in society (Pullen Sansfaçon, 2015). Consistent with a bioecological view of development and adaptation, parental support is an important protective factors for the health and well-being of TGD youth (Johns & al., 2018). Recently, the number of bills aimed at restricting the rights of TGD people, and those of youth in particular, has increased drastically in several countries around the world (Branigin & Kirkpatrick, 2022). In 2023, nearly half of U.S. states have at least one law that restricts the rights of TGD youth (Human Rights Campaign, 2023b). Literature shows that parents are advocating for TGD youth in reaction to those bills and laws (Davy & Cordoba, 2020; Horton, 2023; Kidd & al., 2021; Lorusso & Albanesi, 2021). According to Brill & Pepper (2008), parental support is not enough to assure their child well-being, and parents need to advocate for their child’s rights. A gap remains in the literature on how parental support is associated with parental engagement in advocacy, despite the potential for this advocacy to shape outcomes for TGD youth. Objectives: The goals of the current study were to (1) examine how both parental support and the state level laws restricting the rights of TGD youth are associated with parental advocacy for trans youth rights, and (2) examine whether state level laws play a moderating role in the association between parental support and parental advocacy. Method: Existing data from a nationwide project on the experiences of parents and caregivers of transgender and gender diverse youth in the United States were used. Parents of TGD youth (N= 1151) recruited online completed a Qualtrics survey regarding numerous aspects of their lives including their wellbeing, their demographic characteristics, and their activism on behalf of their children. Four binary logistic regressions were conducted examining the links between parent support, state-level laws, and four different forms of parental advocacy regarding gender diversity issues (1-speaking publicly about having a TDG child; 2-writing to or calling political representatives; 3- writing an editorial or public blog; 4- engaging in formal advocacy), while controlling sociodemographic variables. Results: Logistic regressions in SPSS found that parental support was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of speaking publicly about having a TGD child. Conversely, parental support was associated with a lower likelihood of writing an editorial or public blog. Neither parental support nor state laws were associated with writing or calling representatives or engaging in formal advocacy. No moderating effect of state laws on the link between parental support and the different forms of parental advocacy were found. Discussion: Parental support is important to consider in understanding the motivation to engage in certain types of parental advocacy. Furthermore, these findings suggest that the level-state laws are not linked with parental advocacy. The macrosystem might be too distal to have a direct effect on this outcome. Results could also be explained by the fact that there is not enough variability in awareness of state-laws. |
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Navigating Challenges and Support for 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth: Insights into Mental Health, Identity, and Advocacy
Submission Type
Paper Symposium
Description
| Session Title | Navigating Challenges and Support for 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth: Insights into Mental Health, Identity, and Advocacy |