Trans Teens Date Before, During and After Transitioning, Face ‘transphobia’ and Abuse

Transgender and gender nonconforming youth (TGNC) often struggle with when to divulge they are transgender in romantic relationships, according to a study, “Romantic Relationships in Transgender Adolescents: a Qualitative Study,” in the February 2021 Pediatrics (published online Jan. 19). In the study, researchers interviewed 30 transgender adolescents involved in hospitals in the Midwest, including 18 transmasculine and 12 transfeminine adolescents, which mirrors the patient population that doctors commonly see. Participants were between ages 15- 20 years. Questions covered romantic relationships, disclosure of gender identity, abusive relationships and perceived impact of gender-affirming hormone care on romantic experiences. Most teens interviewed said that their parents continue to treat them the same as they had prior to transitioning, although some parents had concerns about safety, and that hormone therapy instilled a sense of confidence or comfort within a relationship or with themselves. Many participants reported being involved in abusive relationships, including sexual abuse in established relationships as early as age 14. Researchers concluded that health care providers should be screening and identifying transgender youth and acting as allies for TGNC teens, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. They note more research is needed on adolescents who are not able to be open about their transgender status and, as a result, may not receive appropriate health care.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.