“We’ve Always Been Here”: Identifying Resilience Factors Among Nonbinary Adults

Abstract

Nonbinary people are at high risk for negative mental health outcomes due to the ongoing minority stressors they experience. Recently, research has begun to show that nonbinary people experience unique minority stressors different from other trans populations. It is likely that they also have unique resilience factors that help them overcome these stressors. This qualitative study aimed to identify resilience factors among nonbinary adults. Our sample included 27 nonbinary adults (56% people of color), ages 19 to 52 ( M = 29.63, SD = 6.99). We applied reflexive thematic analysis using the transgender resilience intervention model as a preexisting theoretical framework. We identified social support, community connectedness, and access to gender-affirming care as group resilience factors, and active resistance/pride, connecting to history, gender euphoria, seeking affirming environments, and giving back as individual resilience factors. Our results can inform future prevention and health promotion efforts to support nonbinary people.