“My Parents May Influence my Feelings about It But That’s Also Something That I Can Change Myself:” Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth Perspectives on Parental Messages about Sexuality

Abstract

Abstract This study describes transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth perceptions of parental messages regarding sexuality and sexual/romantic relationships and how those messages impact feelings and decisions about their sexual health. Eight in-depth, semi-structured interviews (mean = 66 minutes) with TGD young people (16-23 years) were included in this qualitative analysis. Illustrated by participant quotes, four themes are discussed: (1) parent’s sexual values as context and a critical testing ground, (2) LGBTQ sexuality, (3) youths’ futures through cisnormative and heteronormative lenses, and (4) impact of parental messaging on youth’s sexual health. Implications include working with families to de-center cisgender perspectives in messaging.