Survey Evaluation of the Role of Social Media and Social Support for Transgender, Nonbinary, and Intersex People: Observational Study

This study found that social media is already being used by TGD people for the purpose of interacting with other queer and transgender people but also that there are risks associated with its use. Given this reality, counseling patients on social media use should focus on safety in use and honest discussions of both the risks and benefits associated with its use. Regarding social support groups focused on gender identity, many current or previous attendants reported that support groups were helpful for finding social support, especially early on in one's transition and when other avenues of support are not present. Additionally, many respondents who had never attended a support group were interested in attending for the perceived benefits of increased social support and interest in meeting other community members. Engaging TGD patients in the use of social media and social support groups for gender identity may help improve support, although exposure to hate and transphobia is a risk that comes with social media use.