Familial Gender Socialization Experiences Among Transgender and/or Gender Diverse Young Adults of Color

Although substantive evidence demonstrates the impact of rejection and affirmation on transgender and/or gender diverse (TGD) youth, few studies have investigated how affirmation and rejection is related to familial socialization of gender norms, particularly within the intersections of other forms of socialization (e.g., racial, cultural). We used a qualitative life history approach to conduct semi-structured interviews with 17 TGD young adults of color (e.g., Mestizo, African American) between the ages of 18 and 25 years living in the US. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed by two coders using Template Analysis and Narrative Analysis techniques. All participants discussed the importance of considering intersectionality within the familial socialization process, as their gender was inherently linked with their racial and ethnic identities. Participants also discussed how explicit (i.e., enforcing gender rules, language, providing material support) and implicit (i.e., silence, intentions and effort, using observations) forms of socialization related to perceptions of affirmation and rejection. We discuss these findings within a socialization framework inclusive of cultural socialization, mainstream socialization, preparation for bias, and promotion of mistrust practices. The study has important implications for future research, practice, and policy work by highlighting the complex and nuanced impact of familial socialization on rejection and affirmation.