Exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the identity of trans and gender diverse youth

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, closure of schools and other public places changed the circumstances under which young people engaged in identity development. This qualitative study examines the impact of COVID-19 on the gender identity development of 295 transgender and gender diverse youth, ages 13–22. Responses to the open-ended question ‘How has the COVID pandemic changed or affected your own understanding of your gender identity?’ were analysed through thematic analysis. Findings revealed six major themes and nine subthemes: (a) time for identity development (self-reflection and self-realization, self-acceptance and self-worth and self-expression and experimentation), (b) no changes, (c) COVID-19-specific factors (masks help pass, limited expression/identity suppression and break from social pressures), (d) trans/non-binary visibility on online platforms (knowledge, connection and personal increased visibility), (e) increased confusion/pain and (f) unspecified but significant changes. Close to 30% of participants reported no change to their understanding of their gender identity. Of the participants who did report change, the most common theme was time for identity development (56.3%). This study indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown had important, largely positive impacts on individuals' gender identity development.