Pediatric Resident University of Texas Southwestern Medical School Dallas, Texas, United States
Background: An unprecedented increase of legislative action targeting transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth has been observed in multiple states of the United States, including Texas. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the current sociopolitical climate in Texas on families of TGD youth, specifically, the well-being of TGD youth and that of their parent(s) as well as their intent to relocate. Design/Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study via a survey of parents/legal guardians of TGD youth. Inclusion criteria were parents/legal guardians of youth ages 17 and younger with a diagnosis of gender dysphoria made by a multidisciplinary team providing GAC at a clinic in Texas who were seen from January 1, 2020 to August 31, 2023. Eligible parent(s)/guardian(s) were identified by EMR registry. Results: Out of 124 participants, 107 (88%) described the sociopolitical climate in Texas regarding TGD youth as “very hostile”. Because of the sociopolitical climate in Texas, 98% reported a negative impact in their child’s mental health or well-being as well as in in their own mental health or well-being or that of their spouse/partner, 77% reported their TGD child experienced increased bullying, harassment, and discrimination, as well as missing at least one school, health, athletic, religious or social activity with 50% missing social activities and 34% in-person school. Eighteen (14%) had relocated out of Texas and of those remaining, 95 (96%) reported they would be at least somewhat likely to move if there were no barriers.
Conclusion(s): Parents(s) and guardian(s) of TGD youth overwhelmingly report a negative impact of the sociopolitical climate in Texas on their TGD children’s mental health or well-being, their own mental health or well-being, and intent to relocate out of state although only a minority of families have actually relocated.
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