Reimagining Cis-Stems of Care: Exploring Health and Well-Being Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Young Adults Through an Intersectional Strengths-Based Lens

Abstract

Individuals who identify as transgender and gender diverse (TGD) are among the most vulnerable and stigmatized groups in society. As of this writing, there are approximately 1.6 million transgender individuals aged 13 years and older in the United States. Addressing challenges related to healthcare is often complicated due to an overall lack of understanding regarding the health needs of TGD populations and traditional deficit-based healthcare approaches to TGD health. There is greater need to understand the lived experiences of TGD folx, specifically as it relates to the nuances associated with how TGD young adults conceptualize health and overall well-being beyond deficit-based models of care. To date, there are no known studies that have adopted an explicitly intersectional strengths-based perspective on examining health and well-being among TGD young adults. This study explored what is working well across multiple domains of TGD young adults’ experiences of health and well-being employing qualitative research methodologies. The following research questions were explored: (1) How do transgender and gender diverse young adults define and understand health and well-being? and (2) What protective factors (e.g., strengths, assets, resources) have contributed to the health and well-being of transgender and gender diverse young adults? This was an exploratory qualitative study that employed semi-structured interviews among TGD young adults (N=14) aged 19-25 years (M=23, SD=1.8). This study also recruited and paid a Community Advisory Board (CAB), comprised of healthcare professionals and TGD folx, to guide the research process. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using Thematic Analysis. Analysis revealed that TGD young adults conceptualize health and well-being through three key themes: (1) Separate, but Connected: Perceptions of Health and Well-Being; (2) Navigating Gender Pathways Through Health and Well-Being; and (3) Gender-Affirming Care is Lifesaving Care. This study provides a rich, detailed analysis of TGD young adults’ healthcare experiences through a strengths-based and intersectional lens. Addressing TGD young adults’ needs related to health and well-being requires understanding how they experience health and well-being within systems. Systems that are affirming, compassionate, and focused on providing comprehensive trans and gender diverse care are well-positioned to enhance TGD young adults’ overall well-being and improve health outcomes.