Grandmothers raising their transgender grandchildren: An exploratory study

Abstract

This exploratory study builds upon previous research relating to grandparents of transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) youth by investigating the experiences of 2 affirming grandmothers raising their transgender granddaughters (age 6 years at T1). Participants reported experiences similar to those reported by affirming parents of TGD children, such as facing resistance from their communities when affirming the children’s gender identities. Similar to previous research on grandfamilies in general, describing a warm bond between grandparents and grandchildren, our participants described a special relationship with their TGD grandchildren that led to the grandmothers being the children’s 1st and strongest allies. Participants faced challenges and advantages distinct from those experienced by affirming parents of TGD children and, in some cases, by grandparents raising non-TGD grandchildren. These challenges pertained to: (a) their unexpected/unplanned primary caregiver role, (b) navigating the legal system, (c) the impact of the familial situation on the child, and (d) negotiating the parents’ involvement in the children’s lives. Two types of advantages—internal (e.g., experience, confidence, maturity) and external (e.g., community connections, credibility, respect)—were identified. Findings have implications for policy, practice, and future research, providing insight into some of the potentially unique stresses and strengths of grandfamilies with TGD grandchildren.

Keywords:

• Family acceptance
• gender-diverse
• grandfamilies
• grandparents
• transgender
• trans youth

Acknowledgements

We thank the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues and The Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law for funding the larger study from which the data for this study were drawn.