Expanding the Lens: Recent Developments at the Intersection of Pediatric Chronic Pain and Gender Diversity

Recent theoretical frameworks expand upon the biopsychosocial model by integrating minority stress, ecological-systems, and intersectional perspectives to better understand the chronic pain experiences of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth. While TGD youth experience disproportionate pain-related risks, influenced by intersecting identity-based stressors, structural inequities, and systemic barriers to affirming care, this group remains underrepresented in pain research and intervention development. To promote equitable care, pain researchers and clinicians must adopt inclusive assessment tools, enhance provider education, implement strengths-based interventions, and advocate for policies that reduce disparities and affirm the identities of TGD youth with pain. Promoting gender-affirming, trauma-informed, and intersectional approaches may offer a clear path toward more inclusive and equitable pediatric pain management.