Awareness of trans and non-binary children and youth is increasing, both socially and among service agencies. However, despite legislative and regulatory progress in trans rights, the specific needs of trans and non-binary children and youth remain largely unaddressed.
- Trans and non-binary children and youth: A roadmap for improving services in Ontario
Transgender identities and gender independence
There is incredible diversity within transgender and gender-independent identities and communities. Some of these identities, and related concepts, are briefly described below:
- Transgender or trans refers to individuals who have a gender identity that is different than the gender identity associated with their assigned sex, for example, a woman who was assigned male at birth or a non-binary individual who was assigned female at birth.
- Non-binary refers to individuals who have a gender identity that falls outside of or between the binary construct of man/male and woman/female. Non-binary gender identities include bigender, pangender, and agender.
- Genderfluid refers to individuals who experience their gender as fluid or changeable, for example, an individual who at times identifies as a man and at times identifies as non-binary.
- Gender independent (and other terms like gender diverse and gender creative) refers to individuals who do not conform to gender stereotypes and/or who express gender in ways that differ from cultural or societal expectations (such as a feminine boy or a masculine girl). Being transgender is one way of being gender independent, but not all gender independent people identify as transgender.
There is no universal experience of being transgender. There is also no one way that young people explore, experience, or express their gender. However, transgender and gender-independent young people encounter unique challenges and have different needs than both non-2SLGBTQ+ young people and young people with sexual-minority identities.
Resources
- Transgender children & youth: Understanding the basicsResource from the Human Rights Campaign
- Gender independent youth: Understanding gender independence and gender non-conformityInformation from OK2BME, a program supporting 2SLGBTQ+ identified young people and families in the Waterloo Region
- Transgender teens & understanding gender identity [2015]Video featuring Dr. Martine Solages, adolescent psychiatrist at Children’s National Health System
- We're here: Trans, nonbinary and gender diverse youth across Ontario assert needs and experiences [2020]Snapshot report from LGBT YouthLine’s Provincial Youth Ambassador Project (PYAP) looking at the experiences and needs of 2SLGBTQ+ youth in Ontario. For all reports and materials associated with PYAP, see here
- Transgender people in Ontario, Canada: Statistics from the Trans PULSE Project to inform human rights policy [2015]This report looks at the demographics and characteristics of trans people in Ontario, the discrimination and violence experienced by trans people, and the impacts of discrimination and violence on the social participation and health of trans people
- Being safe, being me: Results of the Canadian Trans Youth Health Survey [2015]Reports on the results of a national survey of over 900 trans youth which included questions about a wide range of life experiences and behaviours that impact the health of young people
- Trans and non-binary children and youth: A roadmap for improving services in Ontario [2019]This resource from Rainbow Health Ontario (RHO) reviews the current literature on trans and non-binary children and youth and reports on their health and social needs
- Impacts of strong parental support for trans youth: A report prepared for Children's Aid Society of Toronto and Delisle Youth Services [2012]This report provides preliminary data on the health impacts of parental support for trans youth aged 16 to 24 in Ontario
- Supporting your gender diverse childGuide for parents, guardians, and caregivers of trans, intersex, Two-Spirit, and gender diverse children and youth in Ontario
- Supporting & caring for transgender children [2016]Resource that explains how families and healthcare professionals are helping transgender children thrive. Produced in partnership between the Human Rights Campaign, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American College of Osteopathic Pediatricians
- Non-binary, gender fluid & gender-expansive youth: FAQ for parents and guardiansHuman Rights Campaign resource specifically for parents of children who identify outside of the binary
- Trans youth and the right to access public washrooms: A critical perspective on a social policy [2016]This YouthREX publication defines, explores, and analyzes some of the challenges, fears, anxieties and issues trans-identified youth experience, particularly with respect to safe access to public washrooms
- Safe & respected: Policy, best practices & guidance for serving transgender & gender non-conforming children and youth involved in the child welfare, detention, and juvenile justice systems [2014]Resource from the NYC Administration for Children's Services with a focus on providing affirming services to transgender and gender non-conforming young people
- A place of respect: A guide for group care facilities serving transgender and gender non-confirming youth [2011]This resource from the U.S. National Center for Lesbian Rights outlines some approaches to improve the delivery of services to transgender and gender non-conforming youth and ensure safety for all youth
- Bind Safe [2023]"Bind Safe is an informational hub and educational video series promoting safe binding practices, education around the basics of gender dysphoria, and additional resources for youth, parents, medical professionals, and allies".
- General Tips on Binding [2023]A quick guide by Bind Safe that includes general tips on binding, as well as a list of additional resources for continued learning and support.
- Trans Health Care [2023]A resource page from Sherbourne Health that offers information on Trans and Non-binary health programs and resources.
