Family Building Desires among a Sample of Transgender and Nonbinary Students

Abstract

Abstract Transgender and nonbinary (TNB) individuals may elect gender-affirming treatment that may affect their ability to have genetically-related children. The purpose of this study was to explore how the family-building goals of TNB college and graduate students shaped decisions about fertility preservation and gender-affirming care. Participants (N = 39) completed a phone interview and demographic survey about their experiences in higher education. Several themes developed as important in shaping TNB students’ family-related desires, including gender-affirming treatment priorities, and partner and financial considerations. Therapists and medical professionals can support this population by expanding family planning counseling options and providing sufficient counseling on the effects of gender affirming care.