Artistic expression as a source of resilience for transgender and gender diverse young people

Abstract

There is a paucity of research exploring sources of resilience among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) young people with multiple marginalized identities. Information and communication technologies (ICTs) offer unique opportunities for authentic self-expression, which is not always possible offline. The primary aims of this study were to understand unique sources of resilience among TGD youth in their online and offline lives. Using photo elicitation and grounded theory methods, we conducted online in-depth interviews with TGD young people (N = 29) between the ages of 14–25 across the United States identifying with at least one of the following social statuses: (a) person of color, (b) immigrant, or (c) living in a rural area. Four themes were identified from the data, with both online and offline artistic expression being viewed as a: (1) form of authentic self-expression; (2) coping mechanism; (3) way to connect to others; and (4) pathway toward agency. Findings advance understanding about the use of artistic expression as an underexamined source of resilience among TGD youth with multiple marginalized identities. Within clinical settings, options for TGD youth to participate in various forms of expressive art may improve engagement and enhance youths’ abilities to authentically express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences to promote healing and growth.

Keywords:

• Transgender youth
• intersectionality
• art
• resiliency
• coping
• online

Acknowledgments

We extend our deepest gratitude to the TGD young people who shared their stories and images with our research team. This work was supported by the Partnership Grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) [47520150780].

Disclosure statement

All authors confirm there are no relevant financial or non-financial competing interests to report.

Figure 1. Self-representation through art. Source: Reproduced with permission from the creator.

Figure 2. Coping through art. Source: Reproduced with permission from the creator.

Figure 3. Finding freedom through poetry. Source: Reproduced with permission from the creator.

Figure 4. Forging connections through art. Source: Reproduced with permission from the creator.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ashley Austin

Ashley Austin received her PhD in Social Welfare from Florida International University. Dr. Austin is Professor of Social Work at Barry University and Distinguished Professor for the Center for Human Rights and Social Justice. Her research and clinical practice interests revolve around advancing well-being among TGD individuals through transgender affirmative research, clinical practice and education.

Michael P. Dentato

Michael P. Dentato received his PhD in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago. Dr. Dentato is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago and editor of Social Work Practice with the LGBTQ Community: The Intersection of History, Health, Mental Health and Policy Factors published by Oxford University Press. His research and scholarship centers upon the assessment of health and health disparities among sexual and gender minority populations.

Joshua Holzworth

Joshua Holzworth received a BSW from Barry University and is a current MSW student at the University of Michigan. Josh’s current research focus centers on implementing interventions for people dealing with severe mental illness. He began conducting research with gender diverse youth and adults during his BSW program.

Roxanna Ast

Roxanna S. Ast is a PhD candidate at the Rutgers University School of Social Work and the research and evaluation coordinator at the Center on Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC). Her research focuses on experiences and impacts of intimate partner violence among LGBTQ survivors and developing community services and policies to intimate partner violence victimization that is inclusive of LGBTQ survivors and their needs.

Anthony P. Verdino

Anthony P. Verdino is a PhD student at the Crown School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at University of Chicago. His research interests include working with LGBTQ + young people in exploring perceptions and experiences of agency, resilience, joy, and pleasure. As a licensed clinical social worker, he works mainly with young adults and LGBTQ+, kink, and poly communities around mental health, life transitions, relationships, and identity.

Edward J. Alessi

Edward J. Alessi received his PhD in Clinical Social Work from NYU Silver School of Social Work. He is Associate Professor of Social Work and Chancellor’s Scholar of LGBTQ Mental Health, Trauma, and Resilience at Rutgers University. His research aims to understand how trauma and stress impact the health and mental health outcomes of sexual and gender minority populations.

Andrew D. Eaton

Andrew D. Eaton received his PhD in Social Work from the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto. Dr. Eaton is Assistant Professor at the University of Regina’s Faculty of Social Work (Saskatoon Campus). His research focuses on addressing complexities of living and aging with HIV and AIDS.

Shelley L. Craig

Shelley L. Craig received her PhD in Social Welfare from Florida International University. Dr. Craig is Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto and the Canada Research Chair in Sexual and Gender Minority Youth (SGMY). Her areas of research and professional interests include SGMY, cognitive behavioral therapy, information and communication technologies, and implementation science.