A transformational model of trans and nonbinary liberation: Centering strengths and intersectionality in trans health

Scholars continue to use deficit-focused models to understand how experiences of oppression negatively impact the lives of trans and nonbinary (TNB) communities. While helpful in understanding TNB well-being, existing models miss opportunities for centering healing and liberation of TNB communities. Further, models often focus on individualistic and ameliorative approaches that fail to attend to intersectionality and transformative social change. In a time of increased violence toward TNB communities, we propose the transformational model of TNB liberation to challenge deficit-focused frameworks and reimagine a new future for TNB communities. Our conceptual model attends to how TNB communities, possessing individual (e.g., general strengths and TNB strengths) and collective strengths, are situated within legislative structures and intersecting systems of power and oppression to influence TNB liberation (e.g., well-being, healing, and social transformation). We provide ways for psychologists and community leaders to use our conceptual model to inform research, clinical practice, and policy/outreach initiatives to aid in healing and TNB liberation. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).