Resources for Trans Youth and Their Advocates
- Meredith Futernick-Gerak, LPC, ACS, C-BSP, C-PAT
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
In a world where misinformation about gender-affirming care is prevalent, access to trustworthy resources has never been more important.
Trans youth are often exposed to messages that invalidate their identities and suggest that they are unsafe. These messages; whether from media, peers, or even family members can lead to internalized beliefs that cause chronic stress. This stress, if left unaddressed, can manifest in severe psychological and physiological consequences.
Accessing reliable, affirming information and support can make a world of difference in both protecting and nurturing trans youth.
These organizations offer a wealth of resources that range from direct support services to educational materials and guides for navigating the complexities of gender-affirming care:
WPATH is a global leader in providing guidelines and resources for transgender health. Their standards of care are essential in ensuring that healthcare providers offer evidence-based, affirming treatments for transgender individuals.
The Trevor Project is a leading suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth. They provide crisis intervention and mental health support services, offering a 24/7 helpline and resources tailored to trans youth.
3. PFLAG
PFLAG is one of the oldest LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations. They provide support for families, friends, and allies of LGBTQ+ individuals, with a focus on creating inclusive and affirming environments for trans youth.
Gender Spectrum works to create gender-sensitive policies and resources that affirm the identities of transgender and gender-diverse youth. Their focus on education helps to equip families and schools with the tools needed to support trans youth effectively.
GLMA is an organization that advocates for LGBTQ+ health and provides resources for finding affirming healthcare providers. Their directory can help families locate professionals who specialize in gender-affirming care.
TransFamily Alliance provides support and advocacy for transgender youth and their families. They focus on creating strong family connections and supporting the mental health and well-being of trans youth.
Why Access to Trusted Resources Matters
In the face of harmful misinformation, we must prioritize the voices of trans youth and affirming professionals. When advocates seek reliable resources, they are actively fighting back against the dangerous narratives that contribute to the stigmatization and invalidation of trans identities. It is important to remember that this is about healthcare and human lives. It is not a political debate.
Supporting Evidence for Gender-Affirming Care
The effectiveness of gender-affirming care is supported by numerous studies that highlight its positive impact on the mental health and well-being of trans youth. Below are key studies that provide a solid foundation for informed discussions around the importance of affirming care:
Allen, L. R., Watson, L. B., Egan, A. M., & Moser, C. N. (2022). Well-being and suicidality among transgender youth after gender-affirming hormones. New England Journal of Medicine, 386(23), 2201–2212. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2206297
Bränström, R., & Pachankis, J. E. (2020). Reduction in mental health treatment utilization among transgender individuals after gender-affirming surgeries: a total population study. American Journal of Psychiatry, 177(8), 727–734. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19010080
Olson, K. R., Durwood, L., DeMeules, M., & McLaughlin, K. A. (2015). Mental health of transgender children who are supported in their identities. Pediatrics, 137(3), e20153223. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2015-3223
Russell, S. T., Pollitt, A. M., Li, G., & Grossman, A. H. (2018). Chosen name use is linked to reduced depressive symptoms, suicidal ideation, and suicidal behavior among transgender youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 63(4), 503–505. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.02.003
Turban, J. L., King, D., Carswell, J. M., & Keuroghlian, A. S. (2020). Pubertal suppression for transgender youth and risk of suicidal ideation. Pediatrics, 145(2), e20191725. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-1725
To any adolescent reading this: you are not broken, and you are not alone. There is nothing wrong with who you are. You deserve affirming care, and there are many people and resources available to support you on your journey to embracing your most authentic self.
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