New study explores transgender youth experiences in Canada

Western has published a new, first-of-its-kind study that followed and examined the experiences of transgender youth in Canada. Trans Youth CAN! explored the medical, social and family contexts of trans youth under the age of 16 seeking gender-affirming care in Canada. The study followed youth and their families over a two-year period from their first clinic visit, and includes youth referred to ten Canadian clinical sites for medical care that can put a hold on puberty. "We ask questions in our studies about social context which really sets us apart from other studies in this area," said Greta Bauer, PhD, professor at Western's Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, and CIHR chair in sex and gender science. "We are looking at the mental health of these youth, their gender distress and their family and school contexts as well." The baseline data collected near the start of their first clinic visit was published today in the journal Pediatrics . It showed youth in the study experienced high rates of anxiety and depression near the start of their care, and they also reported having strong support for their gender from their parents. It also found that almost 65 per cent of families reported having some external stressors as a result of their child identifying as trans.