Caring for youth who are transgender, nonbinary, and gender expansive: Why nursing care and support matters

Transgender, Nonbinary, and Gender-Expansive (TNGE) youth report experiencing greater violence, unstable housing, and mental health issues, including suicidality, depression, and anxiety compared with cisgender youth. The American Nurses Association (ANA) is not alone in its long-time advocacy for the elimination of health disparities among marginalized populations. Nurses play an important role in providing respectful, person-centered care that honors a youth's individuality and unique needs.

The purpose of this paper is a call to action for nurses to provide nonjudgmental and compassionate care and respect the decisions of TNGE youth, consistent with professional mandates.

This paper provides an evidence-based overview of the current health care needs and social-emotional vulnerabilities that many TNGE youth and their families have been experiencing. This paper includes recommendations for nursing interventions and highlights implications for education, research, and advocacy for health policy.

Healthcare organizations, including the ANA, American Academy of Nurses, American Academy of Pediatrics, International Council of Nurses, and many other groups, have long been advocating for the elimination of health disparities among marginalized populations. Nurses need to be aware of the diverse perspectives and misinformation surrounding gender identity that may generate stigma, create barriers to compassionate and unbiased health care.

To promote optimal health for TNGE youth, nurses should provide a safe, gender-affirming environment that respects the rights of TNGE youth and supports open discussions around the youth's gender identity and associated stress.