The Potential Harm of Loss and Grief Narratives Among Families of Transgender and Nonbinary Youth

Grief and loss perspectives are frequently used in clinical and nonclinical (e.g., parent-facilitated support groups) settings to support families who are navigating awareness or disclosure of a child’s diverse gender identity (i.e., as transgender or nonbinary [TNB]). Little to no research has examined the mental health consequences of TNB youth of having parents and caregivers conceptualize their child’s gender transition or journey through the lens of loss and grief. Framed by minority stress theory, this study examines associations between 319 TNB youths’ (ages 13–22) awareness of familial grief related to their TNB identity and their own mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, and suicide thoughts and behaviors). Results indicate that TNB youth who experience familial grief or loss due to their TNB identity reported higher levels of anxious and depressive symptoms and were more likely to have attempted suicide. We discuss how clinicians and providers in community settings can better support TNB youth by reducing the use of a grief and loss lens in interventions with families. Clinicians and other providers are encouraged to help families integrate a child’s developing gender identity and expression within the family context and to interrogate the meaning of loss of cisgender privilege for the youth and their parent and family systems.