Transforming Families

Supporting caregivers of trans children and young people 

Investigators: Dr Yael Perry, Associate Professor Ashleigh Lin, Penelope Strauss, Helen Morgan, Dylan Gilbey

Overview: We want to better understand the relationship between parents/carers of their children under 25 who identify as trans or gender diverse, with the aim of improving the well-being of the whole family. The information that we get from this study will eventually be used to develop tools or programs to help parents and children better understand and communicate with each other.

Summary: Parents commonly find their young person’s gender identity journey challenging; many also report lack of support and resources. Young people who identify as trans or gender diverse are at high risk of poor mental health and experience high rates of difficulties in their family relationships. The aim of this project is to co-design evidence-based tools or programs addressing these issues. Specifically, it will involve parents themselves to help design resources that will aid parental understanding of their child’s gender diversity. In doing so, it will also improve the mental health of young people, their parents and family functioning more broadly.

Contact: For more information please contact Helen Morgan on 08 6319 1096 or via email at helen.morgan@telethonkids.org.au