Other side of risk: Reframing housing instability for transgender and gender nonconforming young people

The purpose of this study was to holistically describe the experience of homelessness among a sample of TGNC youth. Though the literature suggests that TGNC youth are disproportionately represented in this population, little is known about their individual characteristics, their experiences with homelessness, the reasons for their homelessness, or the interplay between their TGNC identity and their housing status. This inquiry examines the specific experiences of TGNC youth, in order to differentiate their needs from their LGB counterparts. The social invisibility of TGNC youth necessitates inclusive and representative research. A population that is misrepresented and silenced in society at large has been treated similarly in the world of research. In a conscious effort to work against further subjugation of their voices, this study utilized semi-structured interviews and the visual method of mapping to collect data. Twenty-seven TGNC youth ages 18-24 participated. Housing instability presented expected challenges. However, the majority of participants also described instances of affirmation and growth. These instances were related to the articulation of gender identity and involved an expanding sense of self, connection to community, access to information. They consistently challenge the dominant discourse related to homelessness, requiring that we rethink how we inquire about their needs and provide services. Consistent with strengths based and non-pathologizing perspectives, the findings suggest that professionals working with homeless TGNC youth should address and build upon beneficial experiences and connections. Starting without negative assumptions, examining these aspects of the homeless experience for TGNC youth is crucial to developing prevention/intervention strategies.