ABSTRACT
A growing proportion of youth are shedding the social norms of gender binaries and are connecting with gender-expansive identities. Similar to their lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ) peers, transgender and nonbinary (TNB) youth must navigate identity development and coming out processes, with or without the support of families, friends, schools, and peers. However, unlike their LGBQ peers, the coming out process for TNB individuals may involve unique factors including changing their name and pronouns, and other decisions on socially, physically, and/or legally transitioning. Often, many peers, school administrators, and family of origin members desire to be supportive but are unsure of how to provide support or how to discern and challenge misinformation about gender identity and expression. Thus, creating accessible clinical environments that foster support and validation for those who play important relational roles in the lives of TNB youth is paramount. This chapter will examine the coming out process for TNB youth, the role of caregivers, schools, and social media in the coming out process, and factors for resilience and thriving for TNB youth. Best practices for providing support and validation for youth and their families during the coming out process will be discussed. Finally, a classroom activity will be presented that provides reflection and roleplaying of the coming out process.
