“I Self‐Protect to Avoid Child Protection”: Transgender Parents' Fears of Help‐Seeking and Social Service Systems

ABSTRACT Objective This mixed‐methods study examined transgender (trans) parents' concerns about being targeted and reported to child protective services by schools, health care providers, neighbors, and family members. Background Trans people and parents specifically may be experiencing heightened fears about interfacing with sources of potential support (or harm) amid the current anti‐trans sociopolitical climate in the United States. Method We conducted quantitative (descriptive statistics and logistic regression) and qualitative analyses of responses to closed‐ and open‐ended survey questions from 108 trans parents in the United States. Most parents were experiencing financial worries and relied on at least one form of governmental assistance. Results Having a trans partner, having young children, living in an urban environment, and living in a state with more anti‐trans policies were most strongly associated with parental worries about potential targeting and reporting to child protective services in various areas of parents' lives. Participants' narratives highlighted the growing sense of unease and vulnerability they felt in their communities since Donald J. Trump was re‐elected, which contributed to their avoidance of governmental and social systems and health care providers. Most participants had mental health challenges, but many avoided seeking help for fear of scrutiny and surveillance. Conclusion Trans parents are experiencing heightened fears during a socio‐politically turbulent time in the United States, and may be avoiding formal and informal supports out of fear of potential targeting on the basis of their gender identity. Implications Our findings highlight the need for family practitioners and allied professionals to be aware of the pressures that face trans parents today, and to stay up‐to‐date on current policies in order to best support them in protecting themselves.