Religious and Spiritual Experiences of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Youth

Objective: Research concerning the relationship between transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) youth and religion and spirituality is sparse with mixed findings. The research that has been done focuses on spirituality and religion as both a source of joy and a stressor for TGNC youth. Method: The current study uses qualitative data collected from 141 TGNC youth and 103 caregivers to capture the experiences of TGNC youth and their families in relation to their spiritual and religious communities and commitments. Results: Findings revealed the majority of TGNC youth reported having a religious or spiritual affiliation. Approximately one-third of youth responses discussed their affiliations positively with many feeling affirmed in their place of worship. Two-thirds of respondents reported neutral or negative experiences related to their affiliation. The majority of youth and guardian dyads reported alignment in their religious or spiritual affiliation. Conclusions: This study is the first to showcase TGNC youth and their guardians’ views about religious and spiritual affiliation. Findings highlight the need for religious/spiritual interventions and programming such as chaplaincy as a part of an interdisciplinary care team and revised intake questions that seek to understand both the spiritual and religious elements of patients’ lives. Implications for Impact Statement Religious and spirituality among transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) youth may be an important point of intervention for youth and families. Cross-disciplinary interventions and programming, such as chaplaincy, affirming religious communities, interdisciplinary clinics, and specific inquiry about religious and spiritual beliefs may help to support TGNC youth and their families.