Beyond a Shared Experience: Queer and Trans Youth Navigating COVID-19
Megan S Paceley1, Sloan Okrey-Anderson2, Jessica N Fish3
1School of Social Welfare, University of Kansas.
Summary
The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted queer and trans youth, increasing isolation and reducing access to identity-affirming support. Their unique challenges require tailored social work interventions for effective support during public health crises.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Public Health
- Psychology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for adolescents, particularly queer and trans youth.
- Physical distancing, social isolation, and school closures disrupted developmental tasks and access to support systems.
- Existing social work practices supporting queer and trans youth were significantly hindered by pandemic-related changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To deconstruct the notion of a universally shared pandemic experience.
- To elevate the voices and document the specific challenges faced by queer and trans youth.
- To identify youth-informed strategies for social work practice and support.
Main Methods:
- A reflexive essay approach was employed.
- Engagement with a small, local group of queer and trans youth.
- Qualitative data collection focusing on lived experiences and challenges.
Main Results:
- Queer and trans youth experienced heightened social isolation and a lack of identity-affirming support due to physical distancing.
- The pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities for this population.
- Youth provided specific recommendations for social work practice and support.
Conclusions:
- The pandemic's impact is not uniform, with queer and trans youth facing distinct challenges.
- There is a critical need for accessible, identity-affirming social work services tailored to queer and trans youth.
- Documenting these experiences is crucial for historical record and future interventions.
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