How Latinx Trans and Nonbinary Communities in Puerto Rico and Florida Exercise Resilience in Healthcare.

Area of Science:

• Sociology
• Public Health
• Health Equity

Background:

• Existing community resilience (CR) literature lacks an intersectional perspective for transgender and nonbinary (TNB) populations.
• Recent TNB CR models provide a foundation for exploring resilience within diverse communities.
• Healthcare stressors disproportionately affect marginalized groups, necessitating research into adaptive strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how Latinx transgender and nonbinary (TNB) communities develop strategies for healthy functioning amidst healthcare challenges.
• To apply an intersectional lens to understand the unique resilience factors within Latinx TNB communities.
• To identify actionable insights for supporting TNB community well-being.

Main Methods:

• Secondary reflexive thematic analysis of qualitative data from a larger mixed-method study.
• Analysis of 40 semi-structured interviews and two focus groups with 55 participants.
• Grounded in cultural community resilience, the Multidimensional Model of TNB Resilience, and the Minority Stress Model.

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: "First Things First: Survival," "Connection with Purpose," "Agents of Change and Source of Strength," and "Knowledge is Power."
• Identified strategies include fostering community, accessing clinics, engaging in community activities, and information sharing on TNB health.
• Demonstrated the multifaceted nature of resilience within Latinx TNB communities.

Conclusions:

• Findings highlight the importance of community-based strategies for promoting health and well-being in Latinx TNB populations.
• Emphasizes the need for resource mobilization and policy advocacy to address systemic oppression faced by these communities.
• Encourages further research into intersectional approaches to community resilience and health equity for TNB individuals.