Undergraduate Research Symposium

Normative gender roles demand that there are only two genders: the man and the woman. Trans people are individuals who transgress these prescribed norms, as their performance of gender differs from the one assigned to them at birth. When a trans person transitions, or begins the journey of socially and/or biologically changing from one gender identity to another, they face significant discrimination, harassment, and victimization. These negative experiences are especially apparent at home, as 57% of trans people are rejected by their families on the basis of their gender identity, which is a contributing factor to the 26%-45% of trans people who attempt suicide in their lifetime. Throughout the child's transition, parents will also experience a period of transition which requires the reframing of familial roles. This dual transition is examined through the recognition of psychological processes [e.g., grief and depression] that affect both the trans child and the family's perception of themselves and others. Successful navigations of negative reactions towards the transitioning process are processed, which aim to promote equitable and safe spaces for children to grow and thrive in their identities. Finally, further strategies for advocacy and allyship, or the act of supporting trans children, are explored that will ensure the safety and well-being of the child through the promotion of education and cooperation with mental health practitioners, parents, and school teachers. This research is composed of peer-reviewed journal articles from the databases PsycInfo, Psycarticles, and GenderWatch, spanning over the years 1990-2016.