Empowering Transitions: Resilience and Coping Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth

Presenter(s)

Zalia Powell, PhD (she/her/hers)

Assistant Associate Dean, Learning and Teaching, Senior Lecturer Social Work.
University of the Sunshine Coast
Cindy Davis, PhD

Professor and Head of Social Work
University of the Sunshine Coast

This qualitative research used photovoice methodology to explore the lived experiences of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) Australian youth, generating diverse narratives on challenges and supportive factors in transitioning. Finding encompassed the importance of relational needs, freedom to self-determination, self-verification, gender-affirming care, and accurate gender diversity representation and resources.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this session, attendees should be able to:

Upon completion, participants will be able to understand the lived experiences of Australian transgender and gender diverse youth during their gender transition.
Upon completion, participants will be able to apply trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and empowering strategies to support the resilience, coping, and empowerment of transgender and gender diverse youth.
Upon completion, participants will be able to critically evaluate the effectiveness of participatory action research methods, such as photovoice, in comparison to other qualitative approaches, considering their strengths and limitations when working with vulnerable populations like transgender and gender diverse youth.