LEXIE CANNES STATE OF TRANS — Really, it doesn’t get simpler than this: parents who let their transgender kids chose their names and express their preferred gender identity results in good mental health outcomes says a new study published in Pediatrics. The study was conducted by University of Washington Professor Kristina Olson.
This study also indicates that trans people are not automatically doomed to mental health problems.
Co-researcher Katie McLaughlin: “[the findings] suggest that mental health problems are not inevitable in this group, and that family support might buffer these children from the onset of mental health problems so commonly observed in transgender people.”
Professionals are saying the study is “crucially important” and the findings are matching what they’re seeing in the real world:
Sarah Painer of Cincinnati’s Transgender Health Clinic: “I think the study is really reflective of what we see in practice. . . . I think more research like this will hopefully help the world see that this can be a good thing – to let our kids be who they are.”
USF’s Child and Adolescent Gender Center Clinic’s Dr Ilana Sherer: “Olson and colleagues give supporters of social transition [children allowed to express gender and choose name] evidence that shows what we have suspected all along: that socially transitioned children are doing fine, or at least as well as their age-matched peers and siblings.”
Trans Youth Equality Foundation’s Susan Maasch: “All of that stuff is obvious to us from observation and always has been.”
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The bottom line: trans positive parents equates to positive trans kids.
Research evidence continues top pile up in a positive direction for us. I’ve written about a number of trans studies. Here’s a sampling — this includes a study from a year ago with results along the same lines: https://lexiecannes.com/?s=study&x=0&y=0
UW study: Mental Health of Transgender Children Who Are Supported in Their Identities: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2016/02/24/peds.2015-3223
Willa Naylor (trans kid in photo): https://twitter.com/tgeuorg/status/657895986661097473
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Read Lexie Cannes in The Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/courtney-odonnell/
Categories: Transgender, Transsexual, Trans
LEXIE CANNES STATE OF TRANS 
Good to have research backing up what we know. It is a constant source of irritation to me that the very groups who treat us like subhuman, and try to erase our existence, then have the temerity to claim that depression and suicide amongst us are signs of some innate mental illness. They are signs of being constantly attacked, physically mentally and societally, and being forced to defend one’s identity.
No wonder then, that is trans people can be there authentic selves from an earlier age, and in a safe and supportive environment, then mental health and resilience ate better.
*are better.
Thanks for the comment, Kara. I don’t know why your post went into the moderate folder. But you’re right, it is nice to have evidence that points towards them as the cause of our “issues” — NOT because we have mental illness.
For those new to trans matters, it is likely that in the majority of suicides, the person would still be alive today if they were simply left alone by society (parents, family and friends) to be themselves.
Reblogged this on karaskonjectures and commented:
Another great article from Lexie Cannes.
Lexie: thank you for reporting helpful research. On various social media, it seems that if anyone trans likes scientific support of what we know inside, it is to ignore our rights somehow. I realize human rights have priority for us as for everyone. However, though bigots or transphobic people will not be convinced, I think it does help cis-gender people who want to understand us better. It is more helpful to point out why respecting transgender children is vital. Research need not tear down ethics, it can support it as well.
Thanks for your comment. I will continue to report on any new research that crosses my desk!